Gun Violence Debate Complicated By Dearth Of Mental Health Caregivers In Calif. Counties
Only two psychiatrists work in rural Tehama County, the site of a recent five-person shooting. Meanwhile, mental health professionals see a psychological toll on Dreamers over DACA uncertainty.
Sacramento Bee:
County Where ‘Madman’ Killed Five Has Just Two Psychiatrists
Only two psychiatrists work in the rural county where Kevin Janson Neal shot and killed five people earlier this month, state records show. ... Neal suffered from delusions and other mental health issues for years, according to his sister, Sheridan Orr. (Reese, 11/30)
KPCC:
DACA Uncertainty Taking A Toll On Mental Health
Youth homelessness is on the rise in Los Angeles, and officials are looking to quell it by targeting kids exiting foster care. One of the bigger surprises coming out of January's annual count of homeless living in L.A. County was a dramatic rise in homelessness among children and young adults. The count found 6,000 homeless 18 to 24-year-olds. (Garrova, 12/1)
And more mental health care news —
NPR:
How The Loss Of U.S. Psychiatric Hospitals Led To A Mental Health Crisis
A severe shortage of inpatient care for people with mental illness is amounting to a public health crisis, as the number of individuals struggling with a range of psychiatric problems continues to rise. The revelation that the gunman in the Sutherland Springs, Texas, church shooting escaped from a psychiatric hospital in 2012 is renewing concerns about the state of mental health care in this country. A study published in the journal Psychiatric Services estimates 3.4 percent of Americans — more than 8 million people — suffer from serious psychological problems. (Raphelson, 11/30)
Stat:
Despite Laws Requiring Equal Coverage, Gaps Are Still Wide Between Coverage For Behavioral And Physical Health
A new report paints a grim picture of compliance with laws mandating parity in health coverage for physical and behavioral health conditions — increasingly a focus as health officials turn their attention to insurers’ role both in perpetuating and solving the nation’s drug addiction crisis. The report, published by the consulting firm Milliman and commissioned by the Bowman Family Foundation, highlights coverage gaps and significantly lower reimbursement rates stemming from the non-enforcement of decades-old laws meant to ensure those with mental and behavioral health needs — an umbrella term that includes treatment for substance use disorders — have equal access to care. (Facher, 11/30)