Intensive and Sustained Engagement Teams (INSET)

New York’s mental and behavioral health systems continue to strive toward more trauma-informed, equitable ways of meeting the needs of the community, particularly for individuals and their social supports who have not been well engaged through traditional services or programs. As such, the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) seeks to expand the availability of Intensive and Sustained Engagement Teams (INSET).

OMH is seeking proposals to contract with community-based, Peer-run organizations and/or organizations with established peer-run programs/departments to implement an Intensive and Sustained Engagement Team (INSET) in one (1) New York State location excluding counties where an INSET team currently operates. The INSET program components and the administering agency responsibilities are detailed in section 5.

INSET currently operates in the following counties: Suffolk, Nassau, Kings, Westchester, Orange, Sullivan, Rockland, Putnam, and Monroe.

Intensive and Sustained Engagement Teams (INSET) is a voluntary, peer-led, community-based engagement approach designed to support adults who are historically marginalized, underserved, and unserved by traditional mental health services and systems and/or who may be at risk of involuntary commitment. INSET teams aim to support these individuals in identifying and reaching their unique valued life goals, connect individuals and communities, and provide 24/7 intensive and sustained support to participants and their chosen community in the least restrictive manner possible.

INSET reduces repeat hospitalizations and lengths of stay, incarcerations, and costs connected to the high rate of physical health issues usually experienced by individuals most in need. INSET teams support individuals in navigating systems involvement. INSET teams build trust and rapport, hope, and strength in navigating these difficult circumstances by placing the individual’s voice, choice, self-determination, community membership and inclusion, and quality of life at the forefront.

Applicants should identify the county or counties they intend to serve in their application. Please note that if an applicant intends to serve only one county, they should detail how they will expand to meet the needs of surrounding areas as the program grows.

Notice: Notification of intent to apply should be made to the Local Governmental Unit (county director of community services) for each county to be served under the program application, as defined in Section 41 of the New York State Mental Hygiene Law.

More information can be found under Procurement Opportunities on the OMH website at: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/

All applicants must be pre-qualified by the due date/time of the RFP.

All applications/proposals must be submitted through the Statewide Financial System (SFS)