INSIDER
Man pistol-whips FAA employee, fires gun at Hooks Airport during possible mental health episode
Read full article: Man pistol-whips FAA employee, fires gun at Hooks Airport during possible mental health episodeA man is in police custody after allegedly assaulting a Federal Aviation Administration employee at Hooks Airport.
How well do artificial intelligence mental health apps work?
Read full article: How well do artificial intelligence mental health apps work?While the need for help is clear, many don't seek therapy either due to cost or stigma. As a result, AI chatbots have jumped into the mix offering to be a Substitute Freud. But how well can it do a therapist's job?
A push to change a 2019 Texas law that bars certain felons from becoming social workers
Read full article: A push to change a 2019 Texas law that bars certain felons from becoming social workersTexas prohibits people with assault convictions, among other felonies, from becoming social workers. A new lawsuit says the ban is unconstitutional.
Board cancels costly psychologist licensing exam after pushback led by Texas
Read full article: Board cancels costly psychologist licensing exam after pushback led by TexasThe national licensing board announced it will consider folding the proposed skills test into an existing exam amid worries the additional hurdle would discourage applicants.
Supporting teens through mental health challenges: Expert advice for parents
Read full article: Supporting teens through mental health challenges: Expert advice for parentsRecent data from the CDC highlights a troubling trend: Both teenage boys and girls are reporting increased mental health challenges, including experiences of violence and suicidal thoughts.
Even as state mental health spending rises, private psychiatric hospitals struggle to stay open
Read full article: Even as state mental health spending rises, private psychiatric hospitals struggle to stay openTexas hasn’t increased Medicaid rates for inpatient health care at private hospitals in 16 years, falling behind other states.
Missing in Houston: Search for missing Marine, Juan Merlos expands across state
Read full article: Missing in Houston: Search for missing Marine, Juan Merlos expands across stateThe family of 36-year-old Marine veteran Juan Merlos, who disappeared from Cut and Shoot, Texas, on August 20, is desperately searching for him.
How Harris County Youth Village is connecting children and animals, providing second chances
Read full article: How Harris County Youth Village is connecting children and animals, providing second chancesA program in Harris County is working to heal the emotional wounds of children and teens in their care. Their juvenile probation department's campus in Seabrook has partnered with the Houston Humane Society, airing animals in need, with young people also yearning for acceptance, connection, and healing from past traumas.
Learn how to ‘power’ through stress and find a work-life balance
Read full article: Learn how to ‘power’ through stress and find a work-life balanceDr. Shana D. Lewis, a licensed professional counselor and wellness coach, wants busy parents to know it’s ok to take a break and focus on yourself for a change. She recently shared some tips to help anyone power through stress on “Houston Life.”
Local girl bringing awareness to condition where brain never stops sending pain signals to the body
Read full article: Local girl bringing awareness to condition where brain never stops sending pain signals to the body17-year-old Joscey works with her doctors, a physical therapist and a pain psychologist to control her chronic pain which started when she was 12 years old. It left her unable to attended school, she couldn’t walk and had to give up her favorite sport basketball.
More mental health services needed for Texas children, what experts are seeing more of
Read full article: More mental health services needed for Texas children, what experts are seeing more ofAs we go back to school a lot of focus turns to children’s wellbeing and mental health. According to the CDC, anxiety and depression affect almost 10% of kids 3 to 17 years old.
‘Still so many unknowns’: Houston mental health expert weighs in as FDA set to decide on MDMA as treatment for PTSD
Read full article: ‘Still so many unknowns’: Houston mental health expert weighs in as FDA set to decide on MDMA as treatment for PTSDNew developments are emerging in the effort to help millions of people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, including our veterans.
How a lack of supervisors keeps new mental health workers from entering the field
Read full article: How a lack of supervisors keeps new mental health workers from entering the fieldFuture Texas therapists must complete internships to start their careers, but there’s not enough providers to mentor all of the students.
This company promised to improve health care in jails. Dozens of its patients have died.
Read full article: This company promised to improve health care in jails. Dozens of its patients have died.Health care contractor Turn Key serves nearly 70 counties across Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Colorado, Kansas and Montana.
Harris County Judge Kelli Johnson becomes ‘combative’ with officers during a welfare check at her home, sources say
Read full article: Harris County Judge Kelli Johnson becomes ‘combative’ with officers during a welfare check at her home, sources sayHarris County Judge Kelli Johnson was taken to a mental health facility Thursday evening after she allegedly became combative with authorities during a welfare check at her home, sources confirmed with KPRC 2 Investigates.
San Antonio church leaders train to serve as mental health counselors
Read full article: San Antonio church leaders train to serve as mental health counselorsUnder a Harvard Medical School pilot program, church members and leaders will work as interns before counseling on their own, referring more serious cases to medical providers.
A difficult conversation: Suicide and its impacts
Read full article: A difficult conversation: Suicide and its impactsKPRC 2 Investigates looks into the tragic story of Robin Puryear, whose death might be tied to suicide, shedding light on the importance of suicide prevention. We are stressing the need to recognize warning signs and reach out for help through resources like the national crisis hotline, 988.
Are severe weather events like Beryl putting a strain on Houston’s community resiliency? How do we reinvigorate it?
Read full article: Are severe weather events like Beryl putting a strain on Houston’s community resiliency? How do we reinvigorate it?Houston has not been known for being immune to severe weather events, but we've always prided ourselves on community resilience, and ongoing struggles like power outages and severe weather events are putting them to the test.
Texas to begin construction this year on seven new psychiatric hospital projects
Read full article: Texas to begin construction this year on seven new psychiatric hospital projectsThe construction begins after lawmakers have allocated $2.5 billion to modernize and increase access to inpatient psychiatric care in Texas.
‘Parents: Do not treat your kid’s phones as their diary:’ Are you making this mistake with your child’s devices?
Read full article: ‘Parents: Do not treat your kid’s phones as their diary:’ Are you making this mistake with your child’s devices?How can we possibly keep up with all these challenges at the same time and keep our children safe during the summer break when many of us have to work and not stay as vigilant on our children?
Has social media addiction, consumption become so severe we need a warning label?
Read full article: Has social media addiction, consumption become so severe we need a warning label?We're all guilty of scrolling mindlessly on social media, but in light of the U.S. Surgeon General calling for a warning label on social media apps as you'd find on a cigarette box, it warrants some self-reflection.
With too few mental health providers, more patients turn to primary care
Read full article: With too few mental health providers, more patients turn to primary careWhile primary care is experiencing its own workforce shortage, the profession is shouldering more mental health screenings to help bridge the behavioral health provider gap.
“Grateful to be alive”: Clubhouse programs take pressure off overwhelmed Texas mental health hospitals
Read full article: “Grateful to be alive”: Clubhouse programs take pressure off overwhelmed Texas mental health hospitalsThousands of people are discharged from Texas mental health hospitals yearly, and so-called step-down programs like clubhouses can help them integrate back into the community.
Texas’ first-ever statewide flood plan estimates 5 million live in flood-prone areas
Read full article: Texas’ first-ever statewide flood plan estimates 5 million live in flood-prone areasThe state’s flood plan shows which Texans are most at risk of flooding and suggests billions of dollars more are needed for flood mitigation projects.
New $305 million Austin State Hospital unveiled as Texas revamps psychiatric system
Read full article: New $305 million Austin State Hospital unveiled as Texas revamps psychiatric systemThe facility has 240 single-person rooms, a basketball gym and outdoor courtyards. It’s part of a $2.5 billion overhaul of the state’s mental health hospital system.
Tragic death of Kay-Alana Turner prompts dialogue on mental health crisis response and de-escalating situations
Read full article: Tragic death of Kay-Alana Turner prompts dialogue on mental health crisis response and de-escalating situationsFollowing the tragic discovery of the body of Kay-Alana Turner, a woman who may have been experiencing a mental health crisis and fled from deputies, a dialogue has ignited regarding interactions with individuals facing similar challenges during mental health crises.
Clinic owner at center of multi-million dollar fraud scheme in Houston area sent to prison
Read full article: Clinic owner at center of multi-million dollar fraud scheme in Houston area sent to prisonProsecutors say Gwendolyn Gibbs, 72, the owner of Daybreak Rehabilitation Center, submitted fake claims to Medicare from 2007 until 2016 by pretending her patients were sicker than they really were.
Tips for establishing a mentally healthy work environment
Read full article: Tips for establishing a mentally healthy work environmentAccording to the American Psychological Association, more than one in five people believe their work environment has harmed their mental health. #WorkplaceWellness #MentalHealthAwareness
Texas is struggling to diversify its mental health workforce as the state becomes less white
Read full article: Texas is struggling to diversify its mental health workforce as the state becomes less whiteMore than 40% of the state’s population is Hispanic, but its mental health provider population is more than 80% white.
Texas criminal appeals court removes Tomas Gallo from death row because of his intellectual disability
Read full article: Texas criminal appeals court removes Tomas Gallo from death row because of his intellectual disabilityThe court re-sentenced Gallo to life in prison for the murder of his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter.
Texas psychologists’ board pushes back on costly new national licensing exam, considers crafting a cheaper state test
Read full article: Texas psychologists’ board pushes back on costly new national licensing exam, considers crafting a cheaper state testFaced with a nagging mental health provider shortage, the state psychologists’ licensing board is looking into whether the state should devise its own exam to get professionals licensed more quickly.
A new Texas law allows schools to hire chaplains as counselors. So far, only one school has opted into the program.
Read full article: A new Texas law allows schools to hire chaplains as counselors. So far, only one school has opted into the program.Many independent school districts, including the largest ones, do not allow chaplains to serve as counselors, which is now allowed under a new Texas law.
Family violence in the Houston area around the holidays: Understanding long-term effects, when it’s likely to happen
Read full article: Family violence in the Houston area around the holidays: Understanding long-term effects, when it’s likely to happenFamily violence incidents are being reported at an alarming rate in the Houston area.
Taking a cue from the pews, Texas churches expanding mental health services
Read full article: Taking a cue from the pews, Texas churches expanding mental health servicesMany Texas faith groups have offered counseling services in the past. But more of them are expanding their programs, partnering with providers, to help meet the growing need here for mental health services.
Texas libraries work to bridge state’s mental health services gap
Read full article: Texas libraries work to bridge state’s mental health services gapInformation-rich public libraries are using their websites and facilities to address the ever-increasing demand for counseling, housing and substance abuse services.
Meet the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law business partners on a mission to empower women
Read full article: Meet the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law business partners on a mission to empower womenStephanie Tsuru and Katie Tsuru created a colorful co-working space in the Lower Heights District in Houston. In the process, they've helped hundreds of other women find community and empowerment.
Should Texas adopt ‘red flag’ law to prevent incidents such as the Lakewood Church shooting?
Read full article: Should Texas adopt ‘red flag’ law to prevent incidents such as the Lakewood Church shooting?A woman, Genesse Moreno, was the shooter, endangering her own son. The crime has many wondering how can a person get to this point?
What is schizophrenia? Questions linger on Lakewood Church shooter’s documented mental history
Read full article: What is schizophrenia? Questions linger on Lakewood Church shooter’s documented mental historyAs the investigation continues in Sunday’s Lakewood Church shooting, questions still remain about Genesse Moreno’s past, including a documented mental history.
Experts explain how to talk to your child about their emotional health
Read full article: Experts explain how to talk to your child about their emotional healthEach year, one in five children in the US experience a mental health disorder, and about 247 billion dollars is spent on treatment and management of these conditions. Ivanhoe explains how to talk to your child about their emotional health.
Ketamine clinics for mental health are popping up across the Houston area, but does the treatment work?
Read full article: Ketamine clinics for mental health are popping up across the Houston area, but does the treatment work?Are you suffering from depression? A Houston area clinic is showing how ketamine therapy can be used to treat patients who have tried other methods that were not successful.
How the Texas vision for seamless mental health care fell apart over 60 years
Read full article: How the Texas vision for seamless mental health care fell apart over 60 yearsA lack of private providers, a swamped community mental health system, and low insurance reimbursement have cut off many in Texas from basic mental health services.
As suicide rate increases, gun safety advocates call for more firearm regulations
Read full article: As suicide rate increases, gun safety advocates call for more firearm regulationsA recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report showed a new record for people using firearms in suicides. Texas gun safety and mental health advocates say the report highlights a need for gun laws the state does not have.
Messages of hope: Family members who lost loved ones to suicide offer encouragement this holiday season
Read full article: Messages of hope: Family members who lost loved ones to suicide offer encouragement this holiday seasonThe holidays can be an exciting and joyous time for people who look forward to them, but for some, the holidays can bring on bouts of depression and sadness.
Texas fire departments are fighting stigma and pushing to provide firefighters mental health help
Read full article: Texas fire departments are fighting stigma and pushing to provide firefighters mental health helpDepartment leaders say they recognize that post-traumatic stress and other mental health issues are among the biggest dangers of the job.
In Texas’ Panhandle, a long-awaited oasis for mental health care is springing up
Read full article: In Texas’ Panhandle, a long-awaited oasis for mental health care is springing upThe region that includes Amarillo, a Panhandle city of more than 200,000 people, and surrounding towns has long been a mental health care desert. Officials hope a new $159 million hospital can help reduce a massive spike in suicide attempts.
Family violence in the Houston area: Understanding the long-term effects, when it is likely to happen, and resources
Read full article: Family violence in the Houston area: Understanding the long-term effects, when it is likely to happen, and resourcesFamily violence incidents are being reported at an alarming rate in the Houston area.
UH psychology professor talks about mental health after release of Megan Thee Stallion’s latest song ‘Cobra’
Read full article: UH psychology professor talks about mental health after release of Megan Thee Stallion’s latest song ‘Cobra’After the release of her most recent song, Cobra, one Houston native has found herself trending again after she shed a unique light on what it means to use your public platform to share awareness about mental health.
Judge Hidalgo says Harris County Jail deaths are ‘unacceptable,’ discusses role following mental health treatment
Read full article: Judge Hidalgo says Harris County Jail deaths are ‘unacceptable,’ discusses role following mental health treatmentHarris County Judge Lina Hidalgo discussed top agenda items and took questions during the commissioners’ court lunch break.
She was told her twin sons wouldn’t survive. Texas law made her give birth anyway.
Read full article: She was told her twin sons wouldn’t survive. Texas law made her give birth anyway.Miranda Michel, 26, couldn’t leave the state for an abortion. But she also couldn’t bear the idea of carrying a nonviable pregnancy to term.
World Mental Health Day: Young Houstonians help peers address mental health
Read full article: World Mental Health Day: Young Houstonians help peers address mental healthMental Health is fast becoming one of the greatest public health challenges of our time, especially for young people. The city of Houston is taking a unique approach to make sure young people have support and resources when they need help.
As West Texas’ population grows, the need for more mental health care does too
Read full article: As West Texas’ population grows, the need for more mental health care does tooLike many regions in Texas, the county jails and hospitals have been at capacity with people needing mental health help. Local leaders hope a new 200-bed facility will alleviate pressure.
City launching new mental health campaign ‘for kids by kids’ this Global Mental Health Awareness Month
Read full article: City launching new mental health campaign ‘for kids by kids’ this Global Mental Health Awareness MonthYour child may not recognize they’re struggling with mental health and they may not feel comfortable turning to an adult to figure it out.
Biden impeachment inquiry, mental health, Harris County attorney discusses future, and more on Houston Newsmakers
Read full article: Biden impeachment inquiry, mental health, Harris County attorney discusses future, and more on Houston NewsmakersKhambrel Marshall discusses President Joe Biden’s impeachment inquiry.
Convicted murderer Scott Panetti isn’t sane enough to be executed, federal judge rules
Read full article: Convicted murderer Scott Panetti isn’t sane enough to be executed, federal judge rulesPanetti murdered his in-laws in 1992. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2007 set new court precedent with his case, raising the bar on the constitutional restriction against executing the insane.
Mental health program inside of this Woodlands school aims to prevent mental health struggles
Read full article: Mental health program inside of this Woodlands school aims to prevent mental health strugglesOur students have so much more access to technology, to social media. It’s led to feelings of loneliness and hopelessness on a level we’ve never seen before.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo extends mental health leave
Read full article: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo extends mental health leaveThe county’s top elected official will be discharged from a mental health facility this weekend and plans to return to work on Oct. 2 after two weeks of outpatient therapy.
Harris Co. Judge to be discharged from inpatient care after seeking mental health treatment for depression
Read full article: Harris Co. Judge to be discharged from inpatient care after seeking mental health treatment for depressionHarris County Judge Hidalgo will transition from residential care to outpatient care on Saturday, according to a news release from her team.
Is someone you love in an abusive relationship? Here are some safe ways to help them get out
Read full article: Is someone you love in an abusive relationship? Here are some safe ways to help them get outDid you know that about one in four women and nearly one in 10 men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime?
Texas non-profit “The Defensive Line” tackling suicide prevention and mental health
Read full article: Texas non-profit “The Defensive Line” tackling suicide prevention and mental healthA Dallas-based organization is turning their pain into purpose by advocating for prevention on a topic that hits close to home for them.
Will Texas’ new fentanyl awareness curriculum for public schools succeed where other anti-drug messaging failed?
Read full article: Will Texas’ new fentanyl awareness curriculum for public schools succeed where other anti-drug messaging failed?Historically, anti-drug messaging in schools has failed to acknowledge the mental health reasons that youth self-medicate. Without that key lesson, advocates worry House Bill 3908 will be another D.A.R.E. campaign.
Veteran lawmaker offers support for Judge Lina Hidalgo, recounts making similar decision
Read full article: Veteran lawmaker offers support for Judge Lina Hidalgo, recounts making similar decisionA retired lawmaker offered words of support for Judge Lina Hidalgo during Tuesday’s Harris County commissioner’s court meeting. This was the first meeting since Hidalgo announced she was taking a leave of absence to seek treatment for clinical depression.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo takes leave of absence to treat depression
Read full article: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo takes leave of absence to treat depressionHidalgo said she was diagnosed with the condition last month and aims to return to her post in September. More people across the country have been diagnosed with the condition since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo taking leave of absence to receive treatment for clinical depression
Read full article: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo taking leave of absence to receive treatment for clinical depressionHarris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said Monday that she is temporarily stepping away from her elected position and has checked herself into an inpatient facility where she is receiving treatment for clinical depression.
Youth Mental Health First Aid helping Houston-area school districts address teen mental health challenges
Read full article: Youth Mental Health First Aid helping Houston-area school districts address teen mental health challengesFrom unrealistic academic expectations to the pressure of portraying the perfect life on social media, teens today are overloaded with stress and in many cases, it’s leading to significant and serious mental health issues.
Black Maternal Mental Health Week focuses on importance of mood disorders among new mothers
Read full article: Black Maternal Mental Health Week focuses on importance of mood disorders among new mothersDr. Lindsay Sillas with The Woman’s Hospital of Texas said it’s common for women’s mental health to be impacted after childbirth.
Civil rights attorney highlights mental health care issues at Harris County Jail after another inmate death
Read full article: Civil rights attorney highlights mental health care issues at Harris County Jail after another inmate deathThe mother of the inmate who died over the weekend said her son had mental issues that the jail knew about, and he was being bullied after being placed in general population.
As veteran disability claims soar, unaccredited coaches profit off frustration with VA system
Read full article: As veteran disability claims soar, unaccredited coaches profit off frustration with VA systemAustin-based VA Claims Insider says it has helped hundreds of thousands of clients. It has also touched off complaints and investigations.
How neighbor-sharing apps can skew your view, cause unnecessary worry
Read full article: How neighbor-sharing apps can skew your view, cause unnecessary worryNeighborhood apps make it easy to be plugged into your community by sending notifications on what is happening in your neighborhood or alerting you to an issue.
This year, Texas lawmakers zeroed in on existing health care programs, leaving bolder measures by the wayside
Read full article: This year, Texas lawmakers zeroed in on existing health care programs, leaving bolder measures by the waysidePregnant moms on Medicaid will get health care coverage for a year, patients will get more detailed billing and nurses will get help with school loans. But efforts failed to gain steam for legalizing fentanyl test strips, increasing the pool of mental health professionals who accept Medicaid and expanding Medicaid benefits to more Texans.
Marijuana linked to mental health risks in young adults, growing evidence shows
Read full article: Marijuana linked to mental health risks in young adults, growing evidence showsOver the last decade of diagnosing countless young patients with new psychotic disorders, one striking result has stuck out for a psychiatrist.
Rania Mankarious of Crime Stoppers Houston shares tips to help navigate social media usage for kids
Read full article: Rania Mankarious of Crime Stoppers Houston shares tips to help navigate social media usage for kidsAccording to recent studies -- too much exposure to social media can negatively impact your child's mental health. But as a parent, how do you limit its use?
Unlicensed religious chaplains may counsel students in Texas’ public schools after lawmakers OK proposal
Read full article: Unlicensed religious chaplains may counsel students in Texas’ public schools after lawmakers OK proposalOpponents fear the bill is a “Trojan horse” for evangelizing kids and will worsen the state’s mental health crisis through disproven counseling approaches.
Listen: Through art, keepsakes and advocacy, families are making sure 21 Uvalde victims are not forgotten
Read full article: Listen: Through art, keepsakes and advocacy, families are making sure 21 Uvalde victims are not forgottenWednesday marks exactly a year since a mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde. The community continues to grapple with the trauma and pain, and for those who lost someone that day, they’re determined to keep the memories of their loved ones alive.
Music’s magical powers: How melodies help special needs students communicate
Read full article: Music’s magical powers: How melodies help special needs students communicateTeachers at one school are finding great success with music as a therapy for children with intellectual and developmental differences.
The Astros Foundation are stepping up to the plate to raise awareness about Mental Health
Read full article: The Astros Foundation are stepping up to the plate to raise awareness about Mental HealthIt's ok to talk about mental health. Find out how the Astors Foundation is bringing awareness to this cause.
Texas schools say it’s time to stop tying mental health funding to school safety money
Read full article: Texas schools say it’s time to stop tying mental health funding to school safety moneyFederal pandemic aid helped build public school mental health services in Texas. School officials now brace for the expiration of those funds next year. They’re urging lawmakers to create a dedicated funding stream for mental health assistance in schools.
Greg Abbott says to stop mass shootings, Texas must improve mental health care. A $25 billion investment hasn’t been enough.
Read full article: Greg Abbott says to stop mass shootings, Texas must improve mental health care. A $25 billion investment hasn’t been enough.Texas still lags nationally when it comes to mental health services and there have been seven mass shootings since Abbott took office in 2015.