New York State Treatment Finder Tool

In order to assist callers with referrals to appropriate support, the New York HOPEline was utilizing the SAMHSA national treatment finder tool. However, they found that the tool lacked accurate information on New York State-specific resources, providing information that was out of date or incorrect altogether. Additionally, resource access was siloed – resources for treatment were in a different space than recovery resources, despite finding that HOPEline callers were seeking both. A caller may not want to talk to a treatment provider, but may want to talk to a Peer Engagement Specialist, or know if there is a Recovery Center in their area.

We worked with New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) to understand the needs of those seeking treatment and recovery support – both in terms of treatment/recovery support and from a technical standpoint. We built a data system (PDS / PPSI) for NYS organizations and providers to provide up to date information on the full continuum of resources. Based on the data that is available from providers, we built out a questionnaire that filters results based on where a person is located and what kind of support is important to them. 

The end-result is a mobile-optimized web application currently being utilized by the HOPEline and Peer Engagement Specialists to provide support referrals to individuals. Data is imported into the tool weekly, upkept by NYS OASAS. It will eventually be made available to the public.