Albany County, city make big investment in mental health programs

Albany officials are expanding mental health programs for county residents.

The Albany County crisis officials responding and diverting program and mental health court will be expanding.

The program allows nonviolent emergency calls to go directly to EMS and social workers.

The mental health court gives people charged with nonviolent misdemeanors a chance to receive treatment instead of going to jail.

This is the first time the program will expand beyond the hilltowns and into the city of Albany.