Despite limited state funding, sheriffs in central Georgia are planning a multi-county co-response program, the first of its kind in the region, to address what they call a crisis-level need.

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 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.

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.

A newspaper finds that the insurance company that manages medical care for many Georgia children has denied or partially denied more than 6,500 requests for psychotherapy between 2019 and mid-2022.

Monday on Political Rewind: The Legislature's outcomes are still front of mind for Georgians. Chancellor Sonny Perdue decried a cut to the University System and mental health advocates mourn a failed expansion. Plus, CBS' 60 Minutes is under fire for an interview with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. 

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.

More states are moving to specialized managed-care contracts solely to handle medical and behavioral services for foster kids. But child advocates, foster parents, and even state officials say these and other care arrangements are shortchanging foster kids’ health needs.

Thursday on Political Rewind: Speaker David Ralston died Wednesday surrounded by family. As 73rd Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, he leaves a strong legacy of bipartisanship. Today on Political Rewind, a panel of journalists who covered the speaker remember his life.
 

“Investing in mental healthcare saves lives and dollars — we have known this for decades, but until now did not fully understand the monumental impacts of neglecting to act,” said Daniel Dawes, professor and executive director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine.

Methadone helps people quit addictions to drugs like heroin, oxycodone and fentanyl. But for the first three months of treatment, patients must report daily to a clinic to get methadone — a problem for rural Georgians.

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.

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.

With the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline set to launch in days, several states have been beset by staffing crunches, dropped or rerouted calls and lack of planning.

In January, the Pew Charitable Trusts launched a project dedicated to reducing suicide rates by making risk assessment a part of routine hospital visits.