In the News

A new survey reveals that girls in particular were affected by the social isolation of the pandemic. The stress and adversity of the pandemic were not limited to just adults; teens and children felt it too. "It's no secret that kids are going through a lot right now. Knowing how to spot the signs of […]

The long-term vision is that someone experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal ideation can dial 988 to reach a local call center for support or to dispatch a mobile crisis team. Many of the 180 local call centers across the country struggle with funding. “Mental health has been underfunded for decades — we get […]

Virtual health care has exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic, and new data indicates digital tools targeting the behavioral health needs of children and teenagers are no exception. While clinicians and health executives say these tools could offer some solutions for young people, they also come with challenges. It’s important to establish long-term relationships for children’s […]

In advance of the July launch of 988, mental health experts worry about workforce capacity issues and the ability to provide 24/7 crisis care. "Fortunately, most [states] are taking this as an opportunity and are working towards increasing their Lifeline call centers within the network," said Hannah Wesolowski, NAMI CAO. "But when somebody calls in, […]

The hope with 988 is that those who are in a mental health crisis will be able to be receive fast and safe help. “We believe strongly that people who are in a mental health crisis deserve a mental health response, not a criminal justice response,” says Jennifer Snow, NAMI national director of government relations, […]

Finding a therapist — let alone one who is a good fit — can take time and determination, especially during the pandemic, when many therapists report they cannot keep up with demand and must turn away patients. If there is a crisis, do not wait. The National Alliance on Mental Illness has information on various […]

For an on-camera interview, Dr. Christine Crawford, associate medical director at NAMI, discusses the increased ER visits by young people or suicidal thoughts and behavior, and the lack of mental health providers to meet the increased demand for children in need of mental health care.

(CW: Suicide) The decline in the nation’s suicide rate during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic may suggest advancements in preventative programs and treatment, but stakeholders contend a closer look reveals a complicated picture — one that raises questions on why the decline did not occur evenly across racial and ethnic groups. Dr. Christine […]

Even though Congress created 988, Congress didn’t fund it. Right now, when people experiencing a mental health crisis call 911, most of the time they end up in a hospital or in jail. “More than 2 million people each year with a mental illness are booked into our nation’s jails and prisons. It’s a huge […]

After stopping my anxiety medication too quickly, I needed expert assistance quickly. I have good health insurance, but finding an appropriate professional became a lengthy, frustrating process. The lack of current or reliable online information for mental health was a big problem, even for me — and I’ve worked in health care. In 2021, a […]