Citizen Advocates’ President & CEO James Button Appointed to New York State Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council
Citizen Advocates proudly announces that James Button, President and CEO, has been appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul and confirmed by the New York State Senate to serve on the New York State Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council (BHSAC).
The BHSAC advises the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) on critical issues related to the improvement, integration and equitable delivery of behavioral health services across New York State.
As a member of the Council, Mr. Button will lend his expertise to a body composed of professionals, consumers, stakeholders and community advocates. Among its responsibilities, the Council reviews applications for new facilities, provides policy recommendations, forms specialized committees and works to ensure treatment equity—particularly for underserved and vulnerable communities.
“I am honored to join the Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council and grateful for the opportunity to bring the experiences of New York State behavioral health providers and communities to the table,” said Mr. Button. “I look forward to collaborating with fellow members to ensure behavioral health policy in New York meets the diverse needs of all people—especially those who are often overlooked.”
About Mr. Button
James Button serves as President & CEO of Citizen Advocates, as well as St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers, North Country Freedom Homes, Fieldstone Foundation and Harison Place. With master’s degrees in education and clinical social work from the State University of New York and a healthcare administrator’s certificate from the University of Vermont, Mr. Button brings both deep clinical insight and strong leadership to his roles.
An accomplished public speaker, he is recognized for his ability to translate complex behavioral health issues into accessible, compelling messages. Under his leadership, Citizen Advocates has expanded its reach across Northern New York and the Capital District, delivering integrated behavioral health, developmental disability and support services.
What This Appointment Means
Regional Impact, Statewide Influence: Mr. Button’s appointment elevates the region’s voice in shaping state-level behavioral health policy.
Championing Access and Equity: As a leader dedicated to person-centered and equitable care, Mr. Button brings a critical rural and community-focused perspective to the BHSAC.
Strengthening Behavioral Health Leadership: His strategic acumen and advocacy underscore Citizen Advocates’ ongoing commitment to holistic, quality care in behavioral health.
About the Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council
The BHSAC meets at least quarterly to discuss and advise on the delivery of mental health and substance use disorder services, integration with broader health services, treatment disparities and statewide planning.
The Council serves as a bridge between New Yorkers, behavioral health providers and state leadership, ensuring industry policy and regulations reflect real world needs. While final authority rests with OMH and OASAS, and ultimately the Governor’s Office, the Council is regarded as the highest formal body of public input informing mental health and addiction treatment policy in the state.
It includes 32 governor-appointed members, alongside commissioners and other key stakeholders, ensuring diverse representation from consumers, families, providers, veterans, local governments and experts in vulnerable populations.
About Citizen Advocates
Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Malone, Citizen Advocates is a leading provider of coordinated behavioral health, developmental disability and related social services across Upstate New York. The organization serves approximately 8,100 individuals annually, supported by a dedicated team of roughly 750 professionals. Its mission is to strengthen access to high-quality, whole-person care—including housing, employment, transportation and food security—for the communities it serves.