Pressure Mounts for Reopening Psychiatric Hospitals in NYC
Lawmakers in New York City are intensifying their call for Governor Kathy Hochul to reopen closed psychiatric hospitals. They believe the existing shortage of long-term hospital beds is a significant factor contributing to the city’s homelessness and public safety issues.
On Wednesday, a bipartisan group known as the City Council’s Common Sense Caucus sent a letter to Hochul, advocating for the revival of large state-run facilities across five boroughs. They argue this step would help alleviate pressure on the city’s shelter system.
“Getting mentally ill individuals out of shelters would improve public safety,” the group noted, adding that this would not only make shelters feel safer for others but also reduce the frequency of mental health calls that police and first responders handle every day.
According to the lawmakers, the limited capacity of current psychiatric facilities is leaving vulnerable individuals “wandering the streets and subways 24/7.”
Recent findings from New York City’s HOPE study indicated that on January 28, 2025, there were 4,504 people living unsheltered on the streets, in parks, and on the subway. This figure represents a 9% increase from the previous year, which recorded 4,140 unsheltered individuals.
“What we see on the streets is completely inhumane,” stated Council Minority Leader Joao Arriola. “There are facilities across the state that could reopen and provide significant long-term care for the mentally ill, but Albany doesn’t act. It’s shameful.”
Arriola further criticized the governor for allowing these buildings to fall into disrepair while the homeless continue to suffer.
The council members are urging Hochul to reopen several facilities, such as Pilgrim State on Long Island, Middletown State in Orange County, the Manhattan Psychiatric Center on Wards Island, and Holliswood Hospital in Queens.
Historically, New York has shifted away from large state-run psychiatric hospitals in favor of community-based care.
A report from the Manhattan Institute states there are currently over 9,200 inpatient psychiatric beds available in state facilities, private psychiatric hospitals, and general hospitals.
At one time, the state had more than 90,000 psychiatric beds, which accounted for nearly a third of its budget. However, reductions began in the 1970s when funding was redirected toward local programs.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Transformation Plan alone removed over 700 state hospital beds by 2021, focusing instead on outpatient and community solutions.
“This isn’t 1972 anymore,” Arriola emphasized. “While we’ve made strides in providing proper care for vulnerable populations, we need to stop letting past decisions hinder access to treatment for those in need today.”
Despite these challenges, Hochul is reportedly beginning to make changes. Her administration has seen the first net increase in hospital beds across the state in decades, with a reported addition of 1,000 beds since she took office.
A spokesperson highlighted that there are open beds available at both the Manhattan Psychiatric Center and Pilgrim Psychiatric Center, with plans underway to add 100 new inpatient beds on Wards Island.
Still, city councilors believe these efforts fall short. “For many individuals facing severe mental health issues, supportive housing, short-term hospitalization, and outpatient programs often don’t address their needs,” the group expressed in their letter. “These individuals require continuous, intensive care that only long-term specialized psychiatric hospitals can provide.”
As nearly three years have passed since they first made a similar request, the Common Sense Legislators pointed out that the situation has only worsened.
