NYS SOS Program
In 2025, the SOS Program at Elm & Oak Health, formerly known as Monroe Plan for Medical Care, continued to make a meaningful impact across Central New York and the Southern Tier through its OMH-funded, evidence-based, and community-driven approach. Through strong cross-system collaboration with hospitals and community partners, 259 unique individuals were identified via street outreach and referrals. Of those, 68 individuals voluntarily enrolled in the time-limited (12–15 months) SOS program, which is grounded in the Critical Time Intervention (CTI) model and focused on strengthening stability during periods of transition. While SOS does not operate housing directly, the program plays a vital role in housing navigation and stabilization, supporting 77 instances of individuals entering sheltered accommodations and assisting 70 individuals in transitioning to more stable housing, including independent and supportive placements. By improving coordination across health, behavioral health, housing, and social service systems, and through trauma-informed, relationship-based engagement, SOS continues to build trust with individuals historically disconnected from care—strengthening long-term stability and community integration.
Adult CTI Program
Elm & Oak Health, formerly known as Monroe Plan for Medical Care is pleased to have been awarded Office of Mental Health (OMH) grant funding to support the Critical Time Intervention (CTI) program in Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties. This OMH‑funded initiative reflects our continued commitment to strengthening community-based supports for individuals with significant behavioral health needs during critical periods of transition.
The Critical Time Intervention (CTI) program was created as part of New York State’s Office of Mental Health (OMH) initiative to support individuals who require more intensive services following frequent or extended inpatient mental health treatment. CTI is designed to serve individuals with behavioral health needs who have experienced challenges remaining successfully connected to care and community supports during times of transition.
CTI is an intensive, phase-based, and time-limited service that focuses on connecting participants to community resources to achieve individualized, person-centered goals. The primary goals of the program are to reduce avoidable hospitalizations and to ensure participants are meaningfully linked to services and supports that promote long-term stability and success as they transition back into the community.
The CTI team is staffed by a licensed Team Leader and two Care Managers who work closely with participants and community partners. Participants are encouraged to actively engage in meetings with their Care Manager and relevant local service providers. As part of this OMH-funded program, participants may receive assistance with transportation to community-based appointments and may have access to limited-service dollars to help reduce barriers and support a successful transition.
At this time, CTI accepts referrals exclusively from Olean General Hospital. Eligibility requirements include:
Adults age 18 and older- A documented mental health diagnosis
- Identification of complex needs, such as recent or multiple psychiatric hospitalizations, crisis service involvement, housing instability, criminal justice system involvement, co-occurring disorders, or limited engagement in mental health services
Participation in CTI is voluntary, and services are delivered using a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented approach.
For more information about the Critical Time Intervention model, please visit the New York State Office of Mental Health CTI webpage.