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Creating a model of care based on a trauma‐informed approach to provide an alternative to restraint and seclusion for at‐risk and high‐risk children and adults proved to be the best approach for one behavioral health facility's ability to reduce restraint and completely eliminate seclusion, according to program officials. The results of the approach are published in Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an effort to address disparities in accessing mental health care and provide a consistent set of uniform services across the commonwealth for Virginians, Gov. Ralph Northam announced March 14 that all 40 Community Services Boards (CSBs) can provide Same Day Access (SDA) to anyone in need of a mental health evaluation. Consumers can now access walk‐in hours at any CSB without an appointment, rather than wait days or weeks to receive an assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the move of Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) in Kentucky to convince state lawmakers of the need for increased state budget in an effort to expand mental health services and to prevent staff layoffs. The CMHC wanted lawmakers to understand the difficulties they face and understand the needs of the individuals. In addition, CMHC's request for 75 million dollars would give centers for opening doors to individual needs.

The article reports on the planned expansion by the Centerstone of America's service base in the U.S. It mentions that Centerstone of Indiana and the Dunn Center have approved an affiliation wherein its operations will be integrated under the Centerstone name. It adds that the latest affiliation added 1,800 employees and 128 service locations in Tennessee and Indiana. Moreover, it states that the affiliation will also enhance the mental health and substance abuse services.

The article reports that the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law called for criticism against Rhode Island Butler Hospital staff psychiatrist Christine Montross on her "New York Times" opinion editorial "Modern Asylum," on its February 18, 2015 issue. Topics discussed include the "New York Times" article stating mentally ill patients end up in hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes, and criticism by Bazelon stated opposition of increasing long-term institutionalization of mental healthcare.

This article focuses on a report released by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law which addresses integrated housing opportunities for consumers with a mental illness and other disabilities as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is noted that the report has been actively pursuing litigation against states to enforce the rights of individuals with disabilities to live, work and receive services,

The article focuses on the Inclusive Livable Communities for People with Psychiatric Disabilities report released by the National Council on Disability (NCD) in the U.S. It cites that the report addresses the Congress and the Administration to include people with psychiatric disabilities into the country's livable communities and provide them with available choices and opportunities. The report also recommends the provision of recovery-oriented services and changes in Medicaid policy. INSET: NCD outlines recommendations to support integration.

The article discusses the study "Trends in Smoking Among Adults With Mental Illness and Association Between Mental Health Treatment and Smoking Cessation," published in the January 7, 2014 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association." Key findings include the decline in adjusted smoking rates among individuals without mental illness, significant predictors of quitting smoking, and the association between outpatient treatment and quitting smoking.

The article reports on the aim of Transitions Mental Health Services to promote client employment in Rock Island, Illinois. It states that every staff member of Transition is demanded that every client having serious mental illness is capable of searching and retaining a meaningful job. It says that Transition has adopted the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of backed employment in its work with clients.

The article reports on the call of the consumer and mental health advocates to the lawmakers in Kansas to remove mental illness from the constitution as a disqualification to vote. It notes that Kansas Mental Health Coalition of mental health advocates, consumers, and community service providers argue that limiting the rights of the person with mental illness to vote is a violation to the U.S. Constitution. The advocates also urge on the amendment of the Article V of the Kansas Constitution.

The article focuses on more college campuses that address more students with mental illness in 2009 in the U.S. The "NAMI on Campus," program is initiated by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) which intends to improve the lives of students with mental illness. Furthermore, the Higher Education Mental Health Alliance (HEMHA) is also established to address college mental health issues.

The article focuses on the reports released by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors in the U.S. It has been found out that a person with serious mental illness (SMI) will die 25 years earlier than the general population. The reports added that person with SMI also suffer from high prevalence of modifiable risk factors such as obesity and usage of tobacco.

Reports on a hearing of the U.S. Senate Governmental Affairs Committee which focused on efforts to keep young people with mental disorders out of jails and detention centers. Release of Congressional survey focusing on children with mental health needs who are 'warehoused' in juvenile centers; Greater suicide risk among detained youth with mental health problems; Testimonies from child welfare advocates.

Reports on a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on the need for states to provide specialized services to nursing home residents with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. Lawsuit 'Rolland v. Romney'; Massachusetts' violation of several federal statutes; Disability rights advocates who supported the case.

Reports on the performance audit of Kentucky's community-based services for the mentally retarded and developmentally disabled (MR/DD). Deficiencies with incident reporting, screening hiring practices and poor cost management strategies; Cost and quality of services provided to MR/DD persons through its Medicaid community-based services program; Failure of Commonwealth to meet its moral and legal obligations.

The article discusses a research study published in an online issue of the journal "Psychiatric Services" which found that people with intellectual disabilities did not receive greater share of psychotropics. The researchers reviewed prescribing data from fiscal years 2007-11 and compared psychotropic prescribing rates for individuals with a mental health disorder. Four classes of medications were examined.

For our first issue of the year, we asked our readers for their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities awaiting the field in 2019. Here are some of the comments we received. Many thanks to all who responded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North Carolina officials are transforming the state's Medicaid program following recent federal approval to shift the program from fee‐for‐service (FFS) to a managed care delivery system. The move is intended to push the state's health care system toward further integration and coordination, said officials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the failure of college administrators to meet the demand of students seeking mental health support which contribute to mental health crisis according to the report of the National Council on Disability (NCD). Topics include the factors affecting the accessibility of counseling services for students with mental health disabilities, the college partnership with the community to support the needs of the students, and the legal protection of students with mental problem.

The article discusses a study by University of Michigan researchers revealing shorter life expectancy for smokers with serious mental illness (SMI). Topics include the study "Smoking and the Reduced Life Expectancy of Individuals with Serious Mental Illness" published in the "American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the National Health Interview Surveys linked to the National Death Index as well as the mental illness comorbidity on life expectancy.

The article reports on the joint effort of mental health advocates, providers, consumers, and stakeholders to support the growing mental health crisis in West Virginia. The community is determined to convince lawmakers and the state governor to address the growing problem in mental health system, Medicaid financing and re-establishing public mental health service. An overview of the group's 10-point long-term plan for rebuilding the state's public mental health service system is presented.

Reports on the bill introduced by Governor George E. Pataki to make Assisted Outpatient Treatment permanent in New York. Release of a study on the law which state officials say showed increased participation in case management, substance abuse and other treatment services; Contention of state mental health advocates and some lawmakers over the issue; Recommendations from mental health advocates improved services and continued oversight. INSET: Kendra's Law report shows decreases in hospitalization,....

The article reports on the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill's (NAMI) views on the U.S. Governor Phil Bredesen's plans to eliminate TennCare coverage for 30,000 adults with serious and persistent mental illness. NAMI officials released a report during a press conference that indicated that drastic cost containment actions for people living with mental illness will result in greater financial cost and put Tennesseeans at risk. NAMI's report offers recommendations for cost-effective solutions to ensure services and supports for people living with mental illness in Tenneessee. INSET: NAMI identifies effective strategies states are using to....

The article discusses a Disability Rights Oregon report, authored by Joel Greenberg, and published in the paper "The Oregonian," that reveals less time spent by male inmates with severe mental illnesses outside of their cells, with inmates spending their days in dark and foul-smelling area.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on Nov. 15 announced that Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Tailored Plans will launch Dec. 1, 2022, instead of July 1, 2022, according to a news release. Individuals who need certain services to address a serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, severe substance use disorder, intellectual or developmental disability, or traumatic brain injury may be eligible to enroll in a Behavioral Health I/DD Tailored Plan. The updated implementation schedule recognizes community concerns that the COVID‐19 pandemic has contributed to an increased need for behavioral health and I/DD services, which has placed added pressures at the state, local management entity/managed care organization and provider level, officials stated. The updated implementation schedule will help balance the need to ensure a successful Tailored Plan launch with the imperative to provide current beneficiaries in the system high‐quality care. Providers will continue to prepare for the transition to Tailored Plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a report titled "Transforming Housing for People with Psychiatric Disabilities Report" that has been released by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The report, which addresses issues related to board care and home care of people with mental disabilities, presents several recommendations to enhance the quality of board and home care residents. It also offers a list of measures being implemented to improve the lives of residents.

The article discusses the failure of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in establishing community-based supports and services to individuals with mental disorder. Topics cited include the infringement of the Americans with Disabilities Act according to the U.S. Department of Justice, Individual Placement and Support model and Assertive Community Treatment practiced in the U.S. state and consensus to transfer people with serious mental illness to community housing.

The article discusses the reforms to Florida's services for persons with serious mental illness and how they can help citizens to have enhanced access to services in the state's assertive community treatment programs. Topics cited include the settlement of a lawsuit brought by disability rights advocates in 2013, the establishment of several mental health-related initiatives by the administration of Governor Rick Scott, and the other state initiatives separate from the issues on the lawsuit.

The article reports on a national study on the severity of the housing affordability crisis for the disability population in the U.S. and those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. Topics include the Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) and the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force, their "Priced Out in 2014," report, and the disparity between SSI income and the cost of renting a house for non-elderly adults with significant disabilities in the U.S.

Texas will soon have 23 sites offering mental health services to young adults experiencing early‐onset psychosis, KTAB News reported July 23. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC's) Coordinated Specialty Care Program is adding 13 new sites this year with help from a $4 million mental health block grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. "It's critical we reach people early in their diagnosis to create the best opportunity for recovery," Sonja Gaines, HHSC deputy executive commissioner for intellectual and developmental disability and behavioral health services, said in a released statement. "Connecting people with the right treatment and support can be life changing and dramatically alter the trajectory of a person's future." Coordinated specialty care helps people ages 15 to 30 years old who have been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder within the last two years. A team of specialists provides medication management, case management, employment and education support, and additional health care. Since 2014, the HHSC's Coordinated Specialty Care Program has helped Texans graduate from high school and college, find stable housing, maintain employment and get on track with independent living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health advocates are applauding the Supreme Court of the United States' (SCOTUS') opinion Feb. 19 to reverse a lower court decision in the Moore v. Texas case on the grounds that it used outdated means for determining intellectual disability in death penalty cases. This was the second time SCOTUS has made this decision in this death penalty case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the federal lawsuit filed by mental health advocates in Georgia against the state to provide equal access to mental health services to the deaf population. It states that the lawsuit will enforce the federal requirement that makes public health services accessible to and culturally and linguistically assigned for the deaf. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the state is expected to make the services available to all people despite their disability.

The article announces the release of the guide, "Vote. It's Your Right: A Guide to the Voting Rights of People With Mental Disabilities," by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law on September 27, 2016.

The article reports on the selection of four states by the Council of State Government Justice Center to take part in a criminal justice and mental health initiative. The purpose of the plan is to improve outcomes for people with mental illness involved in the criminal justice system. Fred Osher of the Council said that the overall goal is to use experience and power of judicial leadership to address the overrepresentation of people with mental illness in criminal settings.

The article reports on the importance of cooperation to promote mental health for longer and healthier lives, as focused by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) in the U.S. To fulfill the vision, the plan focuses on helping consumers in making healthy choices and reducing risky behaviors that lead to the early death of mentally ill. NASMHPD develops ways in the fulfillment of the plan including the tobacco-free toolkit, and a program to support veterans.

The article offers two news briefs related to mental health services in the U.S. The "Reno Gazette-Journal," reported that an emergency treatment center for people with mental illness in Reno might be included with the Nevada's Governor budget cut order. Ohio has formulated a statewide campaign, dubbed as Think Outside the Stigma, designed to assist people coping with mental illness and drug addiction.

The article informs about a report released by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, outlining provision for mental health services for Tennessee's uninsured. The report discusses various benefit packages for outpatients for clinical, therapeutic and support services, partnerships on a local level between mental health agencies and public health departments and integrated health system.

The article reports on the role of the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHD) towards the goal of reforming the delivery of developmental disability services. Individuals with mental illnesses die earlier than normal people due to people's discriminatory attitude. Thus, the NACBHD worked towards partnering county government and local authorities to tackle issues related to behavioral health and developmental disability services.

This article reports that the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supports a rich grant portfolio. SAMHSA has focused its resources on co-occurring disorders, seclusion and restraint, children and families, disaster readiness and response, homelessness, older adults, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis, criminal and juvenile justice, substance abuse treatment capacity, strategic prevention framework, and transforming mental health care. The Targeted Capacity Expansion grant program continues to identify and address emerging trends in substance abuse treatment. Access to Recovery now provides a third mechanism to expand clinical treatment and recovery-support service options.

Reports on U.S. survey results which indicate that more than half of adults with co-occurring serious mental illness have received neither specialty substance use treatment nor mental health treatment in 2003. Release of the report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; Basing of report on data from 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health; Outline of survey findings.

Reports on the expansion of a peer-support program of Broward County, aiding the integration of mentally handicapped person into the community in Florida. Provision of counseling services; Training of forensic peer specialists; Aim of elimination anti-social behavior.

Focuses on the mortality review of mentally retarded patients of the Department of Mental Retardation in Connecticut. Investigation of deaths stemming from allegations of abuse and neglect in the publicly funded system; Use of federal money under a developmental-disabilities law; Impact of the mortality review on public policy.

The article reports that mental health organizations called for the executive producer of the television program "60 Minutes" in the U.S. to provide a more balanced view on mental ill people. The organizations expressed concerns over the link between mental illness and violence implied in the program's segment "Untreated Mental Illness an Imminent Danger?" which focused on individuals with schizophrenia. They gave particular focus on comments from research psychiatrist E. Fuller Torrey.

The article focuses on the issue of housing crisis for persons with disability in the U.S. "Priced Out in 2012" is a biennial national rental housing study prepared by the Terchnical Assistance Collaborative, Consortium for Citizen with Disabilities (CCD) and the Housing Task Force which compared the monthly rental payment for non elderly with disabilities by Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) across the country.

This section offers mental health news briefs as of December 7, 2015 including the establishment of crisis intervention centers for people with mental disorder who are to be imprisoned, and the grievance filed against the Oklahoma State Department of Education for discontinuing education in a psychiatric treatment facility.

The article reports on the decision of U.S. District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis that New York state had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) since it confined health care consumers with mental illness by housing them in adult homes. It notes that the Disability Advocates Inc., a nonprofit organization, filed the lawsuit against the New York Department of Health and the New York State Office of Mental Health. Garaufis ruled that adult homes are institutions that foster helplessness.

The article focuses on the implications of a lawsuit related to supportive housing for individuals with mental illness. The decision of the lawsuit, Disability rights New Jersey v. Velez, was against the practice of keeping mentally ill people in conditional commitment status in stat psychiatric hospitals. The settlement called for the discharge of 297 patients who were hospitalized under conditional commitment.

The article reports on the MyHouse project set by the Department of Mental Health in Washington, D.C. which is aimed at identifying the benefits of mediation for preventing homelessness among mental health clients. The effort is a response to the growing cases of discord between consumers and their landlords which threaten housing stability and eviction. The success of the project pushes the department to sign a contract with a dispute resolution firm for a broader conflict resolution.

The article reports on the preparation of the community mental health services for primary care integration funding from the federal Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) in the U.S. The CMHS integrated care program calls for services located in behavioral health settings for serious mental illness (SMI) population having difficulty reaching primary care system. Details of the CMHS integrated care program are offered.

The article reports that the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is considering international membership to extend mental health learning opportunities. The council asserts their confidence that the scheme is a way to strengthen its connection among mental health provider agencies in the world. It notes also on the council's announcement on the membership of an integrated mental health services organization in the Netherlands as its international member.