Mental Health Archives - Page 18 of 53

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Voters Will Get Their Say on Multiple Health Issues

Abortion isn’t the only health issue voters will be asked to decide in state ballot questions next month. Proposals about medical debt, Medicaid expansion, and whether health care should be a right are on ballots in various states. Meanwhile, the latest lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act has expanded to cover all preventive care. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call, and Victoria Knight of Axios join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these topics and more.

Oct. 27, 2022

A photo shows a man handing a woman his health insurance card.

Employers Are Concerned About Covering Workers’ Mental Health Needs, Survey Finds

Nearly half of large employers report that increasing numbers of their workers were using mental health services, according to a KFF annual employer survey. Yet almost a third of those employers said their health plan’s network didn’t have enough behavioral health care providers for employees to have timely access to the care they need.

By Michelle Andrews

Oct. 27, 2022

Letters to the Editor

Readers and Tweeters Take Positions on Sleep Apnea Treatment

KHN gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.

Oct. 27, 2022

A photo shows a teenage boy in a classroom looking worriedly down at classwork on his desk.

States Opting Out of a Federal Program That Tracks Teen Behavior as Youth Mental Health Worsens

Colorado, Florida, and Idaho are the latest states to opt out of a survey that tracks concerning behaviors in high school students. Officials cite low participation and state laws that require parental permission. But some advocates say dwindling state participation is an “enormous loss” that will make it harder to track signs of poor mental health — like drug and alcohol misuse and suicidal ideation — among teens.

By Daniel Chang

Oct. 26, 2022

A photo shows staff from the Brownsville Independent School District participating in an active shooter drill.

Texas Revamps ‘Active-Shooter’ Drills at K-12 Schools to Minimize Trauma

School lockdown drills are designed to prepare students for violent threats. But for some students, especially those with special needs, the drills can trigger or exacerbate mental health problems. Texas is taking a step toward balancing safety and mental health with new regulations around how the drills are conducted. “If some kids are coming away traumatized or we’re magnifying existing trauma, we’re not moving in the right direction,” one expert says.

By Renuka Rayasam and Colleen DeGuzman

Oct. 21, 2022

Podcast

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Biden Hits the Road to Sell Democrats’ Record

With the midterm elections rapidly approaching, President Joe Biden has taken to the road to convince voters that he and congressional Democrats have delivered for them during two years in power. Among the health issues highlighted by the administration this week are pandemic preparedness and the availability of over-the-counter hearing aids. The president also promised to sign a bill codifying the abortion protections of Roe v. Wade if Democrats maintain control of the House and Senate — even though it’s a long shot that there will be enough votes for that. Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call, and Mary Agnes Carey of KHN join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these topics and more. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read, too.

Oct. 20, 2022

A woman stands by a window wearing a dark blue sweatshirt with the words "Mom of My Mom" on it.

Family Caregivers Find Support on #dementia TikTok

The TikTok hashtag "dementia" has billions of views. Caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and other dementias have been using the site to swap tips and share the burdens of life with dementia.

By Kate Wells, Michigan Public

Oct. 20, 2022

Diagnosis: Debt

Kids’ Mental Health Care Leaves Parents in Debt and in the Shadows

A youth mental health crisis and a shortage of therapists and other care providers who take insurance are pushing many families into financial ruin. But it's rarely acknowledged as medical debt.

By Yuki Noguchi, NPR News

Oct. 19, 2022

A photo shows a man weighing out an extract made from psychedelic mushrooms onto a spoon.

5 Things to Know About Colorado’s Psychedelics Ballot Initiative

The good, the bad, and the unknown about the Centennial State’s proposal to decriminalize and regulate magic mushrooms and plant-based psychedelics.

By Markian Hawryluk and Matt Volz

Oct. 14, 2022

A photo shows panelists on a video call.

KHN On Air

Watch: What Experts Advise for Seniors Living Under the Long Shadow of Covid

For older people, the pandemic is as taxing and worrisome as ever. Experts in geriatric care, mental health, social services, and infectious disease joined a KHN-Hartford Foundation panel to talk about a third covid winter and its outsize toll on seniors.

Oct. 11, 2022

Podcast

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Looking Ahead to the Lame-Duck Session

Congress won’t be back in Washington until after Election Day, but lawmakers have left themselves a long list of items to finish up in November and December, including unfinished health care policies. Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call; Jessie Hellmann, also of CQ Roll Call; and Mary Agnes Carey of KHN join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these topics and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews KHN’s Sam Whitehead, who reported and wrote the latest KHN-NPR “Bill of the Month” episode about a family who tried to use urgent care to save money, but ended up with a big emergency room bill anyway.

Oct. 6, 2022

A photo shows someone using a tablet to place bets on FanDuel, an online sports betting service. A football game is seen on the TV in the background.

Addiction Experts Fear the Fallout if California Legalizes Sports Betting

If California voters approve one or both sports-wagering initiatives on the November ballot, psychiatrists anticipate more cases of problem gambling and gambling addiction. They’re especially concerned about online betting, a very addictive way to play.

By Mark Kreidler

Oct. 5, 2022

A photo shows Jeff White sitting in the nursing home where he lives, looking at the camera.

Mental Health Crisis Teams Aren’t Just for Cities Anymore

In many cities, social workers and counselors are responding to mental health emergencies that used to be solely handled by police. That approach is spreading to rural areas even though mental health professionals are scarcer and travel distances are longer.

By Tony Leys and Arielle Zionts

Oct. 3, 2022

A photo shows three men conversing in a room decorated with law enforcement memorabilia. An American flag and a Maryland flag stand behind them.

At This Recovery Center, Police Cope With the Mental Health Costs of the Job

Burnout, PTSD, depression, and substance misuse are rampant among first responders, partly fueled by the anti-police sentiments after the killing of George Floyd. Combined with low morale, the poor state of officers’ mental health has pushed many out of the profession, leaving those who remain exhausted. A handful of specialized treatment facilities are trying to meet demand, but more resiliency training is needed, experts said.

By Katja Ridderbusch

Sept. 27, 2022

A photo shows Bertine Bahige standing inside of an elementary school library with a colorful mural on the wall behind him.

Many Refugees Dealing With Trauma Face Obstacles to Mental Health Care

Refugees are arriving in the U.S. in greater numbers after a 40-year low, prompting some health professionals to rethink ways to provide culturally competent care amid a shortage of mental health services.

By Erica Zurek and Alander Rocha

Sept. 19, 2022

KHN On Air

Journalists Look Into Wildfire Trauma and the South’s Monkeypox Response

KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.

Sept. 17, 2022

A photo shows Connie Bowen and Mike Lee sitting together at a restaurant booth.

As State Institutions Close, Families of Longtime Residents Face Agonizing Choices

Iowa, under federal pressure to improve care for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, is set to join 45 other states that have closed most or all of their state institutions for such residents.

By Tony Leys

Sept. 13, 2022

A photo shows the Bravo family together outside their home.

Postcard From Sonoma

Children in Northern California Learn to Cope With Wildfire Trauma

Doctors and health officials say more children in the state are growing up with wildfire, which can cause stress, depression, anxiety, and other lasting trauma. Experts say there are ways to help kids stay calm.

By Heidi de Marco

Sept. 9, 2022

Jayne Wildasin, an adult woman with blonde curly hair wearing a patterned blouse, stands inside her office. A computer desk is visible behind her.

At 988 Call Centers, Crisis Counselors Offer Empathy — And Juggle Limited Resources

During a mental health crisis, a conversation with an empathetic listener can be lifesaving. But for in-person help, resources are in short supply in many parts of the country.

By Brett Sholtis, WITF

Sept. 8, 2022