State Initiative Aims To Improve Mental Well-being, Community Connection
ALBANY—New York State is encouraging more residents living with mental illness to take advantage of its parks, historic sites, and outdoor recreation areas, highlighting the proven benefits nature can have on mental well‑being. As part of this effort, the Office of Mental Health has simplified the process for individuals receiving OMH‑licensed, funded, or operated services to apply for the state’s Access Pass, a program offering free or discounted entry to parks, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation facilities, historic sites, boat launches, arboretums, golf courses, swimming pools, and reduced camping or cabin fees for those with qualifying disabilities.
The updated process allows clinicians to complete a streamlined digital confirmation letter and submit it directly through PSYCKES, a HIPAA‑compliant system, or for applicants to send it by mail or e-mail. Previously, OMH had to correspond with both the applicant and clinician and submit the verification on their behalf. Now, applicants only need to complete the Access Pass application and provide the clinician’s confirmation, removing a significant administrative barrier. Templates and instructions are available on both the OMH and Parks websites.
Although roughly 800,000 New Yorkers rely on OMH‑supported programs, only about 1,100 currently hold Access Passes, a gap the state hopes to close by making the process easier and raising awareness of the program’s benefits. Officials emphasized that outdoor recreation, community engagement, and visits to cultural and natural destinations can reduce stress, boost serotonin and Vitamin D levels, and strengthen social connection. The initiative aligns with the state’s “Be Well” campaign, which promotes simple, accessible tools to support mental wellness, including time outdoors and physical activity.
State leaders from OMH, Parks, and DEC underscored their commitment to expanding accessibility and ensuring that more New Yorkers can experience the restorative benefits of nature through this improved Access Pass process.
