Dept. for the Aging Releases Geriatric Mental Health Request for Proposals

NEW YORK (January 17, 2020) – The New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its Geriatric Mental Health (DGMH) program, a ThriveNYC initiative. DGMH provides a variety of mental health services and interventions to older adults in their communities, including embedding clinical mental health professionals at senior centers.

DGMH was established in 2016 to bridge the gaps in care stemming from unequal access, affordability, and stigmas surrounding mental health. The program helps the City meet the mental health needs of older adults by establishing accessible services in communities throughout the five boroughs.

"Working in partnership with ThriveNYC to address this critical need for mental health care, we will ensure the ongoing availability of services that meet the growing needs of older New Yorkers," said DFTA Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. "The DGMH program is a necessary service for older New Yorkers."

"Working with DFTA, we’ve served hundreds of older adults across the City, connecting them to mental health care and producing clinically-significant reductions in depression and anxiety for those receiving treatment. I’m excited to expand this critical program," said Susan Herman, Director of the Mayor’s Office of ThriveNYC.

Nationally, one in five older adults experiences a mental health problem. The DGMH program helps older adults work through depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, grief, substance abuse, and more. Clinicians have helped program participants mitigate the risk of social isolation and mental health problems.

Through the RFP, DFTA is seeking to identify up to four licensed mental health organizations to provide clinical and other mental health related programming in multiple senior centers across the city.

Each organization will be selected based on their experience with and capability to provide mental health services in older adults within designated communities.

The deadline to submit proposals for this RFP is February 17, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Interested providers can view and propose on this RFP by logging in to NYC HHS Accelerator. If vendors are not prequalified in HHS Accelerator they should contact the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (link to ).

# # #

The New York City Department for the Aging works to eliminate ageism and ensure the dignity and quality of life of New York City's diverse 1.6 million older adults. DFTA also works to support caregivers through service, advocacy, and education. DFTA is the largest area agency on aging in the U.S.

DFTA Media Contact:
Suzanne Myklebust
212-602-4153