New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Mental Health
Most people searching for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYC DOHMH, NYC Health Department mental health, NYC 988, birth records, death records, vaccine records, FOIL records, restaurant complaints, or clinic services need the right official route quickly.
This independent guide focuses on NYC mental health help first, then explains phone numbers, records, clinics, complaints, permits and official links. It is written for New Yorkers, seniors, caregivers, teens, parents, providers, business owners and out-of-city family members who need a plain-English route before calling 311, contacting 988, ordering certificates or visiting an office.
Quick answer: what NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene helps with
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, often searched as NYC DOHMH, NYC Health Department or New York City health department, handles many city public health services: mental health and substance use support routes, NYC 988 information, birth and death records, vaccine records, Health Department clinics, restaurant complaints, food protection courses, dog licenses, public health complaints, FOIL records and health data.
| What you need | Best official route | Prepare first | Plain-English tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental health or substance use support | NYC 988 | Your borough, language preference, what is happening, safety concern and whether immediate danger exists | Use 988 for support and referrals; use 911 for immediate danger. |
| Non-emergency NYC Health complaint | 311 Online, 311 Mobile App or 311 phone | Address, borough, business name, complaint type, photos or dates if available | 311 is usually the fastest route for restaurant, rodent, smoking, standing water and public health complaints. |
| NYC birth certificate | NYC Health Birth Certificates | Name, date of birth, borough, ID, eligibility proof, payment and appointment if in person | NYC Health issues certificates for births in the five boroughs, not Nassau, Suffolk or other NY counties. |
| NYC death certificate | NYC Health Death Certificates | Decedent name, date of death, borough, applicant relationship, ID and payment | VitalChek is the only authorized online vendor listed by NYC Health for birth and death certificate orders. |
| NYC vaccine record | My Vaccine Record / Citywide Immunization Registry | Name, date of birth, contact information and parent or guardian details if requesting a child’s record | If no record is found, contact the provider who gave the vaccine. |
| NYC Health clinic | NYC Health Clinics | Service needed: sexual health, immunization or tuberculosis; insurance information if available | NYC Health clinics serve New Yorkers regardless of immigration status. |
| Restaurant complaint or food poisoning | 311 / NYC Health restaurant and food complaint route | Restaurant name, full address, date, time, food item, symptoms, receipt and photos | Reports are stronger when the exact location and timeline are included. |
| FOIL or agency records | NYC DOHMH FOIL Requests | Record type, subject, date range, address, program name and authorizations if needed | FOIL is not the same as ordering a birth certificate or getting a medical chart from your provider. |
| Food, mobile vendor, animal or business permit | NYC Health Permits and Licenses | Business type, permit type, renewal notice, PIN if applicable, payment and appointment question | Most Health Department permits should be handled online or by mail when allowed. |
Use 988 for mental health support, 311 for non-emergency public health complaints, NYC Health birth/death pages for certificates, My Vaccine Record for immunization records, NYC Health Clinics for sexual health, immunization and TB services, and FOIL for written agency-record requests.
NYC DOHMH route finder: choose the right service before calling or uploading documents
Use this quick route finder before calling 311, texting 988, ordering a certificate, filing a complaint, requesting records or visiting a DOHMH office.
NYC Health Department task router
Select your need. The safest official route appears below.
NYC DOHMH mental health services: 988, referrals, peer support, mobile crisis and community care
NYC 988 is the easiest starting point for mental health and substance use support in New York City. NYC Health says 988 can help with stress, anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, peer support, short-term counseling, information and referrals.
988
Use 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 mental health and substance use support by phone or text.
Open NYC 988988lifeline.org
Use online chat when you prefer typing instead of calling. Phone support is available in many languages.
Chat onlineMobile Crisis Team
For severe behavioral crisis that is not immediately life-threatening, call 988 to request a mobile crisis team.
Mobile crisisUse 988 when you need help choosing care
Call 988 if you are overwhelmed, worried about alcohol or drug use, searching for a mental health provider, concerned about someone’s behavior, or having thoughts of self-harm. NYC 988 can help connect you to care based on location, language, insurance and need.
Use 911 for immediate danger
If someone is at immediate risk of hurting themselves or others, has a life-threatening medical emergency, or you cannot safely intervene, call 911. Do not wait for a website form or non-emergency response.
If you or someone else may be in immediate danger, call emergency services now. Use 988 for crisis counseling, safety planning, referrals and support; use 911 for immediate life-safety danger.
NYC 988 crisis support: what happens when you call, text or chat
NYC 988 counselors and peer specialists can listen, provide short-term counseling, assess safety, offer peer support, connect you with mobile crisis, refer you to community-based care, and help with mental health or substance use services.
| Situation | Use | Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Stress, anxiety, depression, grief or emotional overwhelm | Call, text or chat 988 | What is happening, your borough, language preference and whether you feel safe. |
| Alcohol or drug use concern | 988 information and referral | Substance, timing, safety risk, overdose risk and treatment preference if known. |
| Concern about a family member or friend | 988 and possible mobile crisis route | Person’s location, behavior, safety risks, age and whether weapons or violence are present. |
| Severe behavioral crisis but not immediate life-threatening danger | 988 Mobile Crisis Team request | Address, phone, person’s age, current behavior, diagnosis if known and safety concerns. |
| Imminent harm, violence, medical emergency or overdose | 911 | Exact location, what is happening, weapons or medical danger and how to enter safely. |
NYC 988 phone counselors can support many languages by phone. Text and chat support may be more limited, so calling may be better if language access is important.
NYC youth mental health: Teenspace, child crisis services, school-age support and family referrals
NYC Health provides mental health information for children, adolescents and families. The city lists free and low-cost mental health services, 988 referrals, outpatient services, community supports, emergency and crisis services, inpatient services and specialized programs for children and teens.
NYC Teenspace
Free mental health support for NYC teens ages 13 to 17, with connection to a licensed therapist and online exercises.
Open TeenspaceChildren’s Mobile Crisis
For children and youth with severe behavioral crisis, call 988 for guidance and possible mobile crisis connection.
Child crisisChild services directory
Find outpatient, community, residential, inpatient and referral routes for youth mental health services.
Youth servicesIf a child is aggressive toward themselves or others, uncontrollable, unable to calm down, or showing a major behavior change, use the child crisis route. If the child is in imminent danger, call 911.
Serious mental illness support in NYC: clubhouses, crisis respite and care coordination
NYC Health lists resources for New Yorkers with serious mental illness, including clubhouses, care coordination, crisis services, mobile crisis teams, supportive transition and recovery support, and referrals through 988.
Community support
Clubhouses offer support, activities, meals, benefits help, education, job services and peer community for eligible adults.
Open clubhousesAlternative to hospitalization
Crisis respite centers provide short-term, home-like support for some people experiencing mental health crisis.
Open respiteCare routes
Use the Serious Mental Illness page to understand care coordination, crisis services and community support options.
Open SMISome programs require referral, diagnosis documentation, provider involvement or consent. Start with 988 or the listed program page before visiting a location.
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene phone number and contact routing
For most non-emergency NYC Health Department issues, use 311. Call 311 in New York City or 212-NEW-YORK / 212-639-9675 from outside NYC. For mental health support, call or text 988. For immediate danger, call 911.
988
Free, confidential 24/7 mental health and substance use support by call, text or chat.
Open 988311
Use for non-emergency complaints, city services, certificate help and Health Department routing.
Open 311212-639-9675
Use 212-NEW-YORK when calling NYC 311 from outside the five boroughs.
NYC 311212-764-7667
NYC Poison Center is available 24/7 for poison and medicine safety questions.
Poison CenterUse a short call script
Say: “I need help with [988 mental health support, birth certificate, death certificate, vaccine record, clinic service, restaurant complaint, dog license, food permit, FOIL request, or Health Department complaint]. My borough is [Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens or Staten Island]. Which official NYC page or office should I use?”
Give the borough and exact address early when the issue is location-based. Restaurant complaints, rodent complaints, smoking complaints, standing water, indoor air quality and child care complaints usually need a location.
NYC Health Department records: birth, death, vaccine, FOIL and medical-record confusion
“NYC Health Department records” can mean different things. Birth and death certificates, vaccine records, FOIL records, historical vital records and medical records from a hospital or private provider are not the same route.
| Record type | Usually correct route | Do not confuse with |
|---|---|---|
| NYC birth certificate | NYC Health Birth Certificates / VitalChek / appointment route | New York State birth records outside NYC. |
| NYC death certificate | NYC Health Death Certificates / VitalChek / appointment route | Historical death records from NYC Department of Records. |
| Vaccine record | My Vaccine Record / Citywide Immunization Registry | Birth certificate or school transcript. |
| Agency records | NYC DOHMH FOIL Requests | Personal medical chart from a hospital, doctor or clinic. |
| Marriage certificate | Office of the City Clerk for many current NYC marriage records | NYC Health birth and death certificate office. |
| Historical genealogy record | NYC Department of Records / Historical Vital Records | Current certified birth or death certificate order. |
For current NYC birth and death certificates, use NYC Health. For vaccine records, use My Vaccine Record. For agency records, use FOIL. For a hospital or doctor’s medical chart, contact the provider that treated you.
NYC birth certificate: five-borough records, appointment, ID and VitalChek warning
The NYC Health Department issues birth certificates for people born in New York City: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. It does not issue birth certificates for Nassau, Suffolk or other New York State counties.
Online, mail or appointment
NYC birth and death certificate orders can be placed online, by mail or in person. In-person orders require an appointment.
How to orderVitalChek only
NYC Health says VitalChek is the only vendor authorized by the Health Department to process online birth and death certificate orders.
Fees & timingPrepare eligibility and identification first
Have the person’s full name, date of birth, borough, parent details, current photo ID, proof documents if required, payment and mailing details ready before ordering.
For questions about certificates for newborns born within the past 30 days, NYC Health lists 646-632-6563 and birth@health.nyc.gov on the birth certificate page.
NYC death certificate: estate, insurance, burial, benefits and correction route
A New York City death certificate may be needed for estate work, life insurance, bank accounts, Social Security, pensions, burial, benefits, real estate, vehicle title, immigration or family records. Confirm the exact copy type and number of copies before ordering.
| Prepare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Decedent’s full name | Needed to match the death record. |
| Date and borough of death | Helps confirm the event occurred in NYC. |
| Applicant relationship | Eligibility rules can depend on relationship and purpose. |
| Current photo ID | Required for many certificate orders and corrections. |
| Receiving agency requirements | Some agencies need a certified copy; others may accept a copy after review. |
Death certificate corrections can take time and may have eligibility rules. Review the official correction instructions before mailing documents or scheduling an appointment.
NYC vaccine records: My Vaccine Record and Citywide Immunization Registry
The New York Citywide Immunization Registry, also called CIR, keeps immunization records for NYC residents and helps individuals, parents, providers and agencies access vaccination information. Use My Vaccine Record before calling a clinic if you simply need a record.
Online record lookup
Individuals, parents and legal guardians can search for their own or a child’s immunization record online.
Open record lookupCitywide Immunization Registry
CIR consolidates immunization information for children and adults who live in NYC.
Open CIRIf your vaccine record is not found or has no immunizations, contact the provider who gave the vaccine and ask them to report or confirm your immunization history in CIR. Do not send personal identifying information by regular email unless the official page instructs you to use a secure method.
NYC Health clinics: sexual health, immunization and tuberculosis services
NYC Health Department clinics provide sexual health, immunization and tuberculosis services. NYC Health says clinics serve patients regardless of immigration status, and if you do not have insurance and cannot pay, you can still get services.
NYC Health clinics
Start with the all-clinics page to find sexual health, immunization and TB clinic routes.
Open clinicsFort Greene clinic
Review immunization clinic instructions and bring vaccination record and insurance information if available.
Immunization clinicTuberculosis Chest Centers
TB chest centers provide low- to no-cost testing, treatment and care for tuberculosis.
TB centersCheck the official clinic page before visiting because hours, services, appointments and location details can change. Bring any records, medication list and insurance information if you have it.
NYC Health Department complaints: restaurant, food poisoning, rodent, smoking, child care and clinic feedback
For many non-emergency NYC Health Department complaints, use 311 Online, the 311 Mobile App or call 311. Location-based complaints are stronger when they include the exact address, business name, borough, date, time and proof if available.
| Complaint type | Best route | Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant, food poisoning or mobile food vendor | 311 complaint route | Business name, address, date, time, food item, symptoms, receipt and photos. |
| Rodent or mouse complaint | 311 complaint route | Exact address, apartment or common area, photos and date noticed. |
| Smoking complaint | 311 complaint route | Address, business, type of smoking issue and when it occurs. |
| Standing water complaint | 311 complaint route during listed season | Exact location, standing water source and photos if safe. |
| Health Department clinic feedback | NYC311 Department of Health Clinic Feedback | Clinic name, visit date, compliment or complaint details. |
For immediate danger, serious injury, overdose, severe allergic reaction, fire, violence, poisoning emergency or life-threatening symptoms, call 911. Use 311 for non-emergency service requests and complaints.
NYC Health permits, licenses, food protection course, dog licenses and business services
NYC DOHMH handles several permits, licenses and business-related services, including food service, mobile food vending, animal-related permits, food protection training and dog licenses. Permit and license rules are very specific, so start with the official permit page.
Apply or renew
Use NYC Health Permits and Licenses for food, animal, health academy and other regulated business services.
Open permitsHealth Academy
Use the Health Academy for Food Protection and other required certification courses.
Health AcademyOnline or mail
NYC dog licenses can be applied for online or by downloading and mailing an application.
Dog licensesFor permits, keep your mailing address and email updated. Some renewals require a PIN from a renewal notice, and outstanding fines may need to be paid before a permit or registration can be renewed.
NYC DOHMH FOIL records request: agency records, timelines and narrow request tips
Freedom of Information Law requests for NYC Health Department records must be in writing and should describe the type, subject matter and dates of the records requested. FOIL is for agency records, not the fastest route for birth certificates, death certificates, vaccine records or private medical charts.
Write a narrow records request
Include your name, address, phone number, the specific records requested, date range, address, program name, subject matter and any authorizations needed. Avoid broad requests like “send all health records.”
Use the official Records Access Officer route
NYC Health strongly encourages requests by email to recordsaccess@health.nyc.gov. The official FOIL page also lists mail and fax routes for the Records Access Officer at Gotham Center.
If you need your personal medical records from a hospital, clinic, therapist or doctor, contact that provider’s records office. A DOHMH FOIL request is usually not the direct route for a private provider’s medical chart.
NYC DOHMH office maps: Gotham Center and Vital Records office
Do not visit an NYC Health Department office just because it appears in search results. Mental health support is usually through 988, non-emergency city service is through 311, birth and death records require the correct order route and in-person certificate service requires an appointment.
| Office or service | Address or route | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| NYC Health Department headquarters | Gotham Center, 42-09 28th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 | Check the official page before visiting; many services are not walk-in. |
| FOIL / service of process | Gotham Center, 42-09 28th Street, Long Island City | Use official FOIL or service-of-process instructions. |
| Birth and death records | 125 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013 | In-person orders require appointment and the right documents. |
| Mental health crisis support | 988 by call, text or chat | Do not travel to an administrative office for crisis support. |
Gotham Center / NYC Health headquarters map
NYC Vital Records / 125 Worth Street map
For certificates, schedule an appointment if you need in-person service. For 988 mental health support, call, text or chat. For non-emergency complaints, use 311. For FOIL, use the written request route.
Official NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene links used in this guide
Use these official pages for final phone numbers, forms, appointment rules, records, fees, complaints and service instructions. This independent guide does not collect documents, process records, answer 988 calls, file complaints, issue permits or replace NYC.gov.
People also search for: NYC DOHMH Mental Health Google and Bing intent guide
These search-style phrases match common user intent around New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene mental health, records, phone numbers and services.
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene mental health
Use NYC 988, mental health and substance use pages, mobile crisis and youth mental health services.
Mental health routeNYC 988 mental health
Call or text 988, or chat online, for free confidential mental health and substance use support 24/7.
988 routeNYC health department phone number
Use 311 for non-emergency NYC Health Department routing or 212-639-9675 from outside NYC.
Phone routeNYC birth certificate
Use NYC Health birth certificate pages for people born in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens or Staten Island.
Birth routeNYC death certificate
Use NYC Health death certificate pages and confirm appointment, ID and eligibility requirements.
Death routeNYC vaccine records
Use My Vaccine Record or the Citywide Immunization Registry route for immunization records.
Vaccine routeNYC restaurant complaint
Use 311 for restaurant, food poisoning, mobile food vendor and public health complaints.
Complaint routeNYC DOHMH FOIL request
Use the written FOIL route for agency records and include record type, subject and date range.
FOIL routePrivacy, crisis safety and independent guide notice
HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It is not the official NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website, not NYC.gov, not NYC 988, not NYC 311, not the Office of Vital Records, not a clinic and not a crisis-response service.
If someone may hurt themselves or others, has a medical emergency, overdose, poisoning, serious injury, chest pain, trouble breathing or immediate danger, call 911 now. For mental health support, crisis counseling, substance use support and referrals, call or text 988 or chat online.
Do not send birth certificates, death certificates, IDs, medical records, vaccine records, mental health details, complaint evidence, Social Security numbers, payment cards or legal documents to an independent guide page. Use only official secure NYC.gov, 988, 311, VitalChek, clinic or FOIL routes for final submission.
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene FAQs
What is NYC 988 and when should I use it?
NYC 988 is the official mental health and substance use support route for New Yorkers. You can call or text 988, or chat online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Use it for crisis counseling, stress, anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, peer support, information and referrals.
Should I call 988 or 911 for a mental health emergency?
Use 988 for mental health support, crisis counseling, referrals and non-life-threatening crisis help. If someone is in immediate danger, may hurt themselves or others, has a medical emergency, overdose or life-threatening situation, call 911.
What is the NYC Health Department phone number?
For most non-emergency NYC Health Department routing, call 311 in New York City. If you are outside NYC, call 212-NEW-YORK or 212-639-9675. For mental health support, call or text 988.
Where is the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene headquarters?
The NYC Health Department headquarters are at Gotham Center, 42-09 28th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101. Many services are not walk-in services, so check the official page before visiting.
How do I order a NYC birth certificate?
Use the official NYC Health Birth Certificates page. NYC Health issues birth certificates for people born in the five boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. You can order online, by mail or in person by appointment.
How do I order a NYC death certificate?
Use the official NYC Health Death Certificates page. Prepare the decedent’s name, date and borough of death, applicant relationship, ID, payment and the number of certified copies needed. NYC Health says VitalChek is the only authorized online vendor.
How do I get NYC vaccine records?
Use My Vaccine Record or the Citywide Immunization Registry route. Individuals, parents and legal guardians can search for immunization records online. If no record is found, contact the provider who gave the vaccine.
How do I report a restaurant or food poisoning complaint in NYC?
Use 311 Online, the 311 Mobile App or call 311. Prepare the restaurant name, full address, borough, date, time, food item, symptoms, receipt and photos if available. Strong reports include exact location and timeline details.
How do I submit a NYC DOHMH FOIL request?
Use the NYC Health Freedom of Information Law request page. Requests must be in writing and should include the type, subject matter and date range of the records. FOIL is for agency records and is not the same as ordering a certificate or medical chart.
Is HealthDepartmentGuide.org the official NYC DOHMH website?
No. HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It does not answer 988 calls, process birth or death certificates, file 311 complaints, issue permits, provide clinic care, submit FOIL requests or replace NYC.gov.