N.Y. Mental Hygiene Law § 36.02: Referral to crisis stabilization centers

§ 36.02 Referral to crisis stabilization centers.

(a) A referral to crisis stabilization centers may include but not be

limited to: (1) walk-ins or self-referrals; (2) family members; (3)

schools; (4) hospitals; (5) community-based providers; (6) mobile mental

health crisis teams; (7) crisis call centers; (8) primary care doctors;

(9) law enforcement; and (10) private practitioners.

(b) All services provided in crisis stabilization centers shall be

voluntary. No crisis stabilization center shall accept involuntary

referrals, and no person shall be forced or coerced to participate in

services or treatment. A crisis stabilization center may at any time

refer a person in their care to a higher level of treatment if deemed

appropriate.

(c) For a person who is in need of emergency observation under section

9.41, 9.43, 9.45, or 9.58 of this chapter, the appropriate police

officer, peace officer, court, community services director or mobile

crisis team must inform the person of the crisis stabilization center

services where available. A crisis stabilization center may conduct an

assessment prior to accepting a referral. A crisis stabilization center

may make a referral to a hospital or comprehensive psychiatric emergency

program if an assessment determines that they are unable to meet the

service needs of a person.