Bronson, Brouk, Joel, Mental Health Advocates Call for Budget Action to Improve Access to Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press release available as PDF here

Bronson, Brouk, Joel, Mental Health Advocates Call for Budget Action to Improve Access to Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Care

Albany, NY January 29, 2026 — Assemblymember Harry Bronson and Senator Samra Brouk today joined mental health advocates from across New York in calling for budget action to improve access to psychotherapy by ensuring New York’s Medicaid program and commercial insurers cover outpatient care provided by licensed creative arts therapists (LCATs).

Two proposals to improve insurance coverage for psychotherapy provided by LCATs have passed the Assembly and Senate nearly unanimously in prior years. The Governor has indicated that these issues should be addressed through the budget process. Lawmakers and advocates are now urging that both proposals be included in the budget.

Including licensed creative arts therapists on Medicaid and commercial insurance provider panels would improve access to the already authorized mental health service of psychotherapy at a time when demand for mental health and substance use disorder care continues to grow. Advocates and bill sponsors share the Administration’s stated goal of strengthening access to mental health care for New Yorkers.

“New Yorkers need access to psychotherapy without unnecessary barriers,” said Assemblymember Harry Bronson. “Licensed creative arts therapists are authorized to provide this care, and psychotherapy is a mandated covered service. Addressing coverage through the budget would help ensure the system works as intended.”

Licensed creative arts therapists serve a wide range of patients, including children, older adults, individuals with language barriers, and people who are nonverbal or have difficulty accessing traditional talk therapy. Improving coverage would strengthen New York’s mental health workforce and improve continuity of care.

“The budget process provides an opportunity to move these proposals forward and improve access for New Yorkers who are waiting for care,” said Senator Samra Brouk. “Families should not have to navigate gaps in coverage to access mental health services.”

Support for improving access to psychotherapy through licensed creative arts therapists has been broad and bipartisan, with nearly 100 labor unions, colleges and universities, human service agencies, healthcare providers, patient advocates, cultural leaders, and artists expressing support, including public voices such as Billy Joel and Renée Fleming. 

"We urge the Governor & legislative leaders to include the Bronson-Brouk Proposals to add Licensed Creative Arts Therapists to the Medicaid Provider List & commercial health insurance plans in this year’s budget. We believe strongly in the power of the arts to inspire and heal.  It's vital to ensure broader access to LCATs that provide creative and compassionate care to New Yorkers" said Billy & Alexis Joel.

“Licensed creative arts therapists are an essential part of New York’s mental health system,” said Maya Benattar of the LCAT Advocacy Coalition. “Improving coverage would help patients access care sooner, reduce strain on families, and better meet the needs of communities across the state.”

"In my 30 years of practice, creative arts therapies have proven effective to meet the varied mental health and cultural needs of New Yorkers. Other states are already covering these services. It has been disappointing that New York, a trailblazing state, lags so far behind especially when lawmakers are so unanimously supportive,” said Marygrace Berberian, Director, Graduate Art Therapy Program, NYU Steinhardt.

Lawmakers and advocates are calling for both proposals to be included in the budget to ensure Medicaid recipients and individuals with commercial insurance can access psychotherapy services provided by licensed creative arts therapists.

“We stand ready to work collaboratively to advance these proposals,” Bronson and Brouk said jointly. “The need to improve access to mental health care is clear.”

Supporters of this effort include: 1199 SEIU, DC-37, NYC Health & Hospitals, Northern Rivers, New York University, Brooklyn Conservatory & NAMI-NYS.

For interviews or additional information, please contact: Denise Murphy McGraw (518) 339-4535 dmurphymcgraw@hgmlobby.com