New York adult ADHD resources directory: agencies, help lines and support

This is a single list of public agencies, nonprofits, help lines and campus offices that adults with ADHD in New York may need, grouped by the problem you are trying to solve. Every link was opened and checked on October 19, 2026, and each organization showed current activity. Programs change, so confirm details with the organization before you rely on them. None of these organizations is part of Dr. Shershow's practice, and an outpatient ADHD practice is not an emergency service.

At a glance

Crisis and urgent help

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The NYS Office of Mental Health says 988 connects callers to trained crisis counselors 24/7, free and confidential, for suicidal thoughts, substance use, a mental health crisis or other emotional distress, and that New York has 14 dedicated 988 contact centers. You can call or text 988 or chat online, including when you are worried about someone else.
• NYC 988. In New York City, 988 reaches NYC 988, which offers phone, text and chat counseling in more than 200 languages, referrals and follow-up. Its site says to call 911 if you are in danger or need immediate medical attention.
• OASAS HOPEline. The Office of Addiction Services and Supports runs a 24/7 HOPEline for substance use and gambling harms at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369), or text HOPENY to 467369.

County crisis lines and when to use each are in crisis and mental health help lines in New York.

Coverage and public care

• NY State of Health. The state's official health plan marketplace for individuals, families and small businesses. As of October 2026, its site says enrollment for 2027 coverage opens on November 1 and that some Medicaid enrollees will face new requirements starting January 1.
• NYC Care. A New York City program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services at NYC Health + Hospitals for New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance, regardless of immigration status. Members get a primary care provider and access to mental health support. (The site blocks automated checks; an archived copy from October 8, 2026 was reviewed.)
• NYC Health + Hospitals behavioral health. The city's public system says it offers behavioral health outpatient services at its 11 hospitals and care regardless of immigration status and ability to pay. Appointments are made through 1-844-NYC-4NYC. (Archived copy from September 17, 2026 reviewed.)
• OASAS Provider and Program Search. A statewide, county-by-county search for licensed substance use disorder treatment and prevention programs.

How these fit together, including Medicaid and the Essential Plan, is explained in lower-cost adult ADHD care in New York and New York Medicaid and adult ADHD.

Insurance problems

• NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS). DFS's behavioral health page explains New York's access rules for state-regulated plans, including an Access Complaint when you cannot get a timely in-network appointment and an out-of-network referral at in-network cost when no in-network option exists. It notes that self-funded employer plans and out-of-state policies are not covered by these protections, and that Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan follow Department of Health rules. DFS complaints: (800) 342-3736.
• CHAMP Behavioral Health Ombudsman. Listed on the DFS page as independent help with behavioral health coverage problems, at (888) 614-5400, weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Attorney General's Health Care Bureau. Its Health Care Helpline helps patients obtain coverage and resolve problems with insurers and health care providers.

Step-by-step guidance is in appealing an insurance denial for ADHD care in New York and when you can't find an in-network ADHD psychiatrist.

Checking a clinician

• NYSED Office of the Professions Verification Search. Confirms the license of physicians, nurse practitioners, psychologists and other licensed professionals in New York.
• Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC). The NYS Department of Health office that oversees complaints about physicians and physician assistants.

See how to verify a psychiatrist's license in New York.

Rights at work and school

• NYS Division of Human Rights. Reporting discrimination is free. You can call its center at (844) 697-3471 or use its online form. For incidents on or after February 15, 2024, the deadline is three years from the most recent incident.
• NYC Commission on Human Rights. Takes complaints under the NYC Human Rights Law within one year of the last alleged act (three years for gender-based harassment). Its services are free, and you cannot file there if you already filed on the same facts with another court or agency, including the Division of Human Rights or the EEOC.
• Disability Rights New York. A nonprofit that provides free legal and advocacy services to people with disabilities.
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN). A free service with an ADHD page listing accommodations by limitation, such as quiet workspaces, written instructions, flexible schedules and telework.
• ACCES-VR. New York's vocational rehabilitation program. Its application page lists documents that can support a disability, including records from your doctor and a mental health treatment plan. Details are in ACCES-VR for adults with ADHD.
• Campus disability offices. Every college has its own. The US Department of Education says a college student who wants an academic adjustment must tell the school about the disability and follow its procedures, and schools may set reasonable documentation standards. CUNY's ADHD documentation guidelines, for example, ask for an evaluation within the past three years that identifies functional limitations in the educational setting. More in ADHD accommodations in college in New York.

Peer support and education

• NAMI-NYC. Runs a helpline (call, text, chat or email, weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), free peer-led classes, and support groups led by trained volunteers with lived experience.
• NAMI New York State. Runs a statewide helpline on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 518-245-9160 and works through local affiliates.
• Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS). A statewide nonprofit with local affiliates, training programs and advocacy.
• CHADD chapters. CHADD's locator lists no chapter in New York City. Active chapters include Nassau County (support group scheduled for October 27, 2026), Suffolk County (events in October 2026) and Westchester-Putnam and Vicinity, which sends Zoom links to its mailing list.
• ADDA. The Attention Deficit Disorder Association runs virtual peer support groups for adults with ADHD; check its site for current membership terms.

None of these groups diagnoses ADHD or prescribes medication. A full comparison is in adult ADHD support groups in New York.

Where the practice fits

Dr. Shershow is a psychiatrist who evaluates and treats adults with ADHD located in New York or New Jersey, including medication management when appropriate and follow-up by secure video. If you are looking for an evaluation rather than one of the services above, see adult ADHD evaluation or contact the office.