Mental Health Reform at a Crossroads in New York 
Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Format: Webinar 

Program Fee:
Free for Members | $20 for Non-Members

Please Note: A final confirmation containing the Zoom link and Access Code to join the event will be sent to ALL registrants 2 hours prior to the start of the event.

Description:
New York is facing a growing mental health crisis, and the systems meant to support people are struggling to keep up. Efforts to fix an inadequate system have given rise to dueling reform proposals.

Join us as our panel of experts discuss the reform efforts, explain their real-world impact, and offer their insights drawn from deep experience with the mental health system. The panel will also share how to critically evaluate the proposals, understand their broader context, and consider what they mean for care, public safety, and the rights of vulnerable individuals across the state.

Speakers:
Dr. Thomas Insel, Former Director, National Institute for Mental Health & Author of Healing: Our Path from Mental Illness to Mental Health
Arvind Sooknanan, New York–based mental health advocate and civic leader
Dr. Ashwin Vasan, Former Commissioner, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene 
Ken Zimmerman, Attorney & CEO of Fountain House

Sponsoring Committee:
Mental Health Law, Maia Goodell, Chair

Cosponsoring Committee:
Health Law, Debra L. Cohn, Chair
New York City Affairs, Charlotte Davidson and Stephen Louis, Co-Chairs