Children s advocates are pressing California lawmakers to pass a bill that would increase oversight on health plans when they deny mental health services for children. Right now, parents have to ask their health plan for a review when a child s mental health condition isn t covered by their insurance - and if service is still denied, they can ask the state for an independent medical review. Lishaun Francis, senior director of behavioral health with the nonprofit Children Now, a sponsor of the bill, said this is a critical issue. .
Human services leaders say Minnesota is in a mental-health crisis, complicating efforts to manage behavioral health facilities. Closure plans for certain locations have been avoided, but staff want comprehensive improvements to the care system. The Department of Human Services recently floated plans to close two addiction treatment centers, and repurpose one of them for more patients with serious mental-health needs. .
Across the nation, 70% of parents say they re now more concerned about their child s mental health than physical health, according to a new survey by CVS Health-Morning Consult. Nearly half of families say social media is impacting their children s development, from body image to self-perception. Associate Vice President and Deputy Chief Psychiatric Officer for CVS Health, Dr. .
Colorado lawmakers are investing more than $15 million to ensure children experiencing complex behavioral challenges, including trauma, major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, get the residential-based care they need. Colorado has faced numerous lawsuits for not providing adequate support. Rep. .
In Tennessee and across the country, Black women who are school superintendents are tackling the challenges faced by students from marginalized communities, particularly their social and emotional well-being. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal more than four in 10 students reported feeling "persistently down or hopeless." Adrienne Battle, director and superintendent of Metro Nashville Public Schools, will be part of a virtual event today on this topic. At "Superintendents of Color Leading with Excellence," she will discuss ways to meet students social, emotional and academic needs with initiatives like their "navigators" program, connecting students to resources and wraparound services. .