New York Consolidated Laws, Mental Hygiene Law - MHY § 36.02 Referral to crisis stabilization centers

(a) A referral to crisis stabilization centers may include but not be limited to:  (1) walk-ins or self-referrals;  (2) family members;  (3) schools;  (4) hospitals;  (5) community-based providers;  (6) mobile mental health crisis teams;  (7) crisis call centers;  (8) primary care doctors;  (9) law enforcement;  and (10) private practitioners.

(b) All services provided in crisis stabilization centers shall be voluntary.  No crisis stabilization center shall accept involuntary referrals, and no person shall be forced or coerced to participate in services or treatment.  A crisis stabilization center may at any time refer a person in their care to a higher level of treatment if deemed appropriate.

(c) For a person who is in need of emergency observation under section 9.41, 9.43, 9.45, or 9.58 of this chapter, the appropriate police officer, peace officer, court, community services director or mobile crisis team must inform the person of the crisis stabilization center services where available.  A crisis stabilization center may conduct an assessment prior to accepting a referral.  A crisis stabilization center may make a referral to a hospital or comprehensive psychiatric emergency program if an assessment determines that they are unable to meet the service needs of a person.