Mental Health

Latest KFF Health News Stories

When Teens Abuse Parents, Shame And Secrecy Make It Hard To Seek Help

KFF Health News Original

Most domestic assault offenders are adults, but about 1 in 12 who come to the attention of law enforcement are minors, according to a 2008 study by the U.S. Justice Department. In half of those cases, the victim was a parent, most often the mother.

‘Warm’ Hotlines Deliver Help Before Mental Health Crisis Heats Up

KFF Health News Original

“Warmlines” are phone lines or electronic chat options for people who are not having a full-blown mental health crisis but who could use support to stave off one. They are a growing trend in mental health outreach to supplement existing hotlines, with one successful warmline in the Bay Area recently expanding to cover all of California.

Patient-Induced Trauma: Hospitals Learn To Defuse Violence

KFF Health News Original

Health care workers face a greater threat of workplace violence than workers in most other industries. Hospitals are installing security cameras and panic buttons, arming security guards with stun guns and teaching their employees how to handle potentially violent situations.

An Atlanta Nonprofit Brings Medical Care And Connection To The Homeless

KFF Health News Original

“Street medicine” programs seek out people living in back alleys and under highways. It’s a public health approach designed to build trust and eventually connect homeless patients to other services.

Surgeon General’s Marijuana Warning Omits Crucial Context

KFF Health News Original

Surgeon General Jerome Adams said the drug has a “unique impact” on the developing brain ⁠— technically true, but neglecting a vital comparison to other drugs, as well as shortcomings in the existing research.

Medicaid Tweak Might Offer Means To Improve U.S. Maternal Health

KFF Health News Original

Many pregnant women lose health coverage shortly after delivery. Democratic presidential candidates are eyeing the issue, and some experts say making Medicaid more accessible to new moms could be an answer.

Sit, Heal: Dog Teaches Military Med Students The Merits Of Service Animals

KFF Health News Original

Although service dogs are commonly seen at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, a retriever mix is a clinical instructor in the Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology.