Mental Health

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Lonely? Anxious? Depressed? Maybe Your Dentist Can Help

KFF Health News Original

An Oakland dental clinic has started screening its patients for depression, and referring them to a mental health counselor down the hall for immediate care if necessary. The program at Asian Health Services could be replicated elsewhere, and make help for mental health problems more accessible to hard-to-reach populations.

Discharged, Dismissed: ERs Often Miss Chance To Set Overdose Survivors On ‘Better Path’

KFF Health News Original

Only a small percentage of people who survived an opioid overdose received in the next year some form of drug abuse treatment, according to an analysis of West Virginia Medicaid claims data. Experts say the findings underscore a national disconnect.

What ‘Dope Sick’ Really Feels Like

KFF Health News Original

Just as each person’s journey into addiction is unique, different approaches work for people trying to find their way out. For me, detoxing was nightmarish. And a long-held dream come true.

Postpartum Psychosis Is Real, Rare And Dangerous

KFF Health News Original

Postpartum psychosis is rare but very real, doctors say. And, unlike in some countries, U.S. moms who need inpatient psychiatric care can’t bring along their babies, adding to the trauma.

Students With Addictions Immersed In The Sober Life At ‘Recovery’ High Schools

KFF Health News Original

At one Seattle public school, students earn their diplomas while attending daily support groups and meeting with counselors to help them stay off drugs and alcohol. There are about 40 similar schools around the country, both public and private, and more are on the drawing board.

Newsom Diverges Sharply From Washington With Health Care Budget

KFF Health News Original

California Gov. Gavin Newsom made health care a priority in his proposed state budget, asking lawmakers to authorize state-funded financial aid for health insurance, impose a penalty on uninsured Californians and expand Medicaid coverage to unauthorized immigrants.

To Get Mental Health Help For A Child, Desperate Parents Relinquish Custody

KFF Health News Original

To get care for their 12-year-old son’s severe mental illness, Toni and Jim Hoy had to give up custody of him and allow the state of Illinois to care for him. It happens to hundreds, perhaps thousands of children each year. The exact number is unknown because two-thirds of states do not keep track.