New York’s Updated Involuntary Commitment Law Draws Attention from Episcopal Health Services Psychiatry Chair

Far Rockaway, New York, September 5, 2025 — New York State’s updated involuntary commitment statute, which broadens intervention criteria beyond the traditional focus of imminent harm to include individuals unable to meet basic life needs, is drawing attention from Episcopal Health Services Chairman of Psychiatry Jessy Colah, MD, who recently discussed its potential opportunities and challenges.

According to Dr. Colah, the law could allow earlier engagement with vulnerable individuals – particularly those experiencing homelessness or lacking access to essential resources – before conditions escalate into a crisis. By connecting people to care sooner, the statute may help improve outcomes and reduce avoidable hospitalizations.

At the same time, expanding involuntary treatment raises important considerations around autonomy, stigma, and patients rights. Experts emphasize that long-term recovery is most successful when care is voluntary and rooted in trust.

“While ensuring safety is paramount, sustainable recovery and well-being are best achieved through voluntary engagement and comprehensive, individualized care,” Dr. Colah said. “Patients should be afforded easy access to, and encouragement to utilize, community-based resources and follow-up treatment because they are most likely to succeed when they are treated with dignity and respect.”

EHS provides a holistic model of psychiatric care through a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, social workers and therapists. Services include individual and group therapy, grief counseling, pharmaceutical treatment, and spiritual support—all delivered in a therapeutic, restraint-free environment. Team members also receive training in cultural sensitivity, and crisis intervention to ensure that care is compassionate, equitable, and effective.

“As the new statute is implemented, our focus remains on balancing safety with dignity,” Dr. Colah added. “The revised criteria give providers another avenue to reach individuals at risk, but recovery must always be grounded in respect, engagement, and evidence-based treatment.”