Harvey Epstein has an innovative 6 point plan and a policy framework to fix NYC’s mental health crisis. Harvey’s plan, HEAL NYC, is designed to inspire action, build trust, and signal bold, compassionate leadership. This is how we power a safer, stronger, and healthier city.

HEAL NYC Framework

Help – Immediate support for those in crisis.

We must expand street outreach, supportive housing, and crisis response teams to provide real-time help to New Yorkers struggling with mental health challenges. 

Empower – Give communities the tools to thrive.

We will equip mental health professionals, first responders, and everyday New Yorkers with resources to lead safe, healthy lives.

Advance– Innovate beyond broken systems.

We must redesign public safety and mental health services with bold, tech-forward, and people-first strategies.

Lead – Drive transformative, citywide change.

We will set a new standard for how cities protect and care for their people. NYC leads, others follow.

Our Vision for Change

1. Revolutionize Mental Health Rehabilitation Services

We’re doubling down on care for New Yorkers with dual diagnoses of mental health and substance use disorders. The old system doesn’t cut it—we’re demanding more beds and facilities that treat the whole person. Programs that provide comprehensive services for people with mental health issues and have serious mental health issues. They need an infusion of resources to meet the massive demand. Let’s end the cycle of neglect and build a system that works for everyone.

2. Build Housing That Cares

Housing is a human right. But we’re falling far short of delivering supportive housing for our most vulnerable neighbors. It’s time to at least double the number of apartments being developed for people experiencing homelessness and battling mental health challenges. These homes will come with on-site support, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks. A just NYC starts with safe, stable housing for all.

3. Demand Accountability for Release Plans

Releasing people without a plan is reckless and dangerous—for them and our communities. Ramon Rivera, who had a history of mental illness, was released from Rikers without a comprehensive plan and then missed a check-in with a case manager. Days later, he went on a murderous rampage in Manhattan. We cannot allow preventable tragedies, like Ramon Rivera, to continue. We’ll hold our public hospitals, jails, and shelters accountable to ensure every individual has a thoughtful, community-driven plan upon release. This is how we protect public safety while honoring human dignity. Every person released from prison with mental health issues must have a release plan including a place to live, a plan to take all medication, ongoing support plan and a plan to find employment and reintegrate into society.

4. Expand SHOW Program Mobile Outreach

Imagine a city where mental health care comes directly to the streets. That’s what the Street Homeless Outreach and Wellness (SHOW) program does—but it needs a serious upgrade. We’ll scale up the number of vans and trained staff to bring care to every corner of NYC, turning hot spots into hubs of healing and support as well as ensuring we have trained psychologists and psychiatrists on the mobile van who can provide services on the streets of New York where people are suffering.

5. Let Mental Health Pros Lead in Crises

Why are cops responding to mental health crises? It’s time for B-HEARD, NYC’s mental health emergency response team, to step up citywide. Our plan will train more mental health professionals and 911 operators to ensure the right response every time. We can learn from programs like CAT (Community Action Teams) -911 in Southern California who have seen success with this response. Let’s treat mental health crises like the public health issues they are—not criminal problems.

6. Expand Clubhouse and Other Mental Health Support Programs for Holistic Healing

Clubhouse programs provide everything from therapy to life skills training under one roof. For those New Yorkers who can get services, we’ll bring these vital services to neighborhoods across the city, especially for unhoused New Yorkers. It’s time to invest in long-term mental health solutions that uplift and empower while they are in our communities. While people are living in society, they need day to day support which is exactly what this program provides. The outpatient program will ensure that people will remain supported and will be successful in society.

We’re not just talking about fixing mental health and public safety—we’re building a movement to make it happen. Every signature, every vote, every conversation brings us closer to a safer, more compassionate NYC. Let’s get it done—together.