mental health care

When Wil was struggling with depression, a therapist said just the right thing

5:00am September 16, 2024

In 2014, Wil Davenport was being treated for depression at an inpatient mental health program. One day, his therapist issued a challenge that renewed his sense of purpose.

Close-up of an unrecognisable sad patient talking about her problems with her therapist in a psychology session.

Insurers can restrict mental health care. What laws protect patients in your state?

7:00am August 27, 2024

It can be really hard to get mental health care in the U.S. Even if you find a therapist in network, your insurer can refuse to cover the prescribed treatment. Here are the laws protecting patients.

Finding a therapist who takes your insurance can be nearly impossible. Here's why

7:00am August 25, 2024

Getting mental health care covered by insurance can be really tough. Reporters spoke to hundreds of therapists who left their insurance networks to find out why.

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Americans with mental health conditions often can't get treatment, a new report finds.

Health & Safety

Most Americans with mental health needs don't get treatment, report finds

11:11am December 13, 2023

by Rhitu Chatterjee

Many Americans are diagnosed with mental health conditions, but most don't get professional help, even if they're insured. Obstacles include difficulties finding providers their plan covers.

Social worker Tanzila Uddin leads a workshop on journaling at a senior center in Queens Village in NYC. These gatherings can identify older adults who may need more mental health treatment.

Health & Safety

Call it 'stealth mental health' — some care for elders helps more without the label

1:44pm August 14, 2023

by Ashley Milne-Tyte

Fewer than half of older adults who need mental health care or treatment for substance abuse get it. Many therapists don't feel qualified to treat older people, and insurance coverage is spotty, too.

President Biden delivers remarks on expanding access to mental health care in the East Room at the White House on Tuesday.

'Gimme a break!' Biden blasts insurance hassles for mental health treatment

3:06pm July 26, 2023

by Yuki Noguchi

President Biden unveiled a set of proposed new rules for health insurance companies designed to push the industry to cover treatment for mental health problems on par with how it covers medical care.

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Finding a therapist that's a good fit for you takes persistence.

Health & Safety

A step-by-step guide to finding a therapist

11:20am July 02, 2023

by Andrea Muraskin

If you've ever felt a need for therapy but got overwhelmed at the very prospect of choosing a provider, read on. Here's a step-by-step guide to finding someone who fits your needs — and budget.

Caroline Ouko, center, and Leon Ochieng, right, the mother and older brother of Irvo Otieno, stand with his casket during his funeral on Wednesday.

National

Irvo Otieno's mom wants justice for him and a better system for everyone else

10:53am March 31, 2023

by Rachel Treisman

Ten people have been charged with murder in Otieno's death at a Virginia psychiatric hospital earlier this month. Caroline Ouko and attorney Ben Crump reflect on his life and what happens next.

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Reagan Gaona stands beside the Unfillable Chair memorial in front of Santa Fe High School in Texas. The memorial is dedicated to the eight students and two teachers killed in a May 2018 shooting. To the left is a sign displaying solidarity with Uvalde, Te

4 years after a school shooting in a small Texas city, 'There is still a lot of pain'

5:00am August 12, 2022

by Renuka Rayasam

In 2018, a 17-year-old gunman killed 10 people at Santa Fe High School. But even with an influx of time and money for mental health services, the community is still struggling with grief and trauma.

Only when the caller cannot or will not collaborate on a safety plan and the counselor feels the caller will harm themselves imminently should emergency services be called, according to the hotline's policy.

Social media posts warn people not to call 988. Here's what you need to know

5:00am August 11, 2022

by Aneri Pattani

Mental health advocates celebrated the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, but some people voiced concerns that using the service could lead to police involvement or forced hospitalization.