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Patient and Staff Experiences with Telehealth for Suicide Prevention in the Emergency Department

Patient and Staff Experiences with Telehealth for Suicide Prevention in the Emergency Department

Jun 01 2025

Individuals with suicide risk are increasingly seen in emergency departments (EDs), but there are often limited mental health staff available to provide fast, appropriate care. To understand whether telehealth could help supplement ED resources, researchers implemented the Telehealth to Improve Prevention of Suicide (TIPS) program in two Massachusetts EDs and analyzed patient and staff feedback. Overall, although patients and staff generally saw telehealth as helpful to reduce wait times for care, there were also significant concerns, including limits on patient autonomy and communication with clinicians. To learn more, see the study in JMIR.  

Insurance Status and Mental Health Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Insurance Status and Mental Health Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic

May 01 2025

According to new research analyzing data from the Mental and Substance Use Disorder Prevalence Study, which took place during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, adults with a mental health diagnosis and no insurance were less likely to have received outpatient mental health treatment in the past year compared to privately insured adults – just 31% versus 62%. Private insurance was also the only insurance status associated with increasing use of mental health services as the pandemic progressed. The authors stress the importance of policy reforms to address treatment gaps. To learn more, see the study in PLOS Mental Health.

Short- and Long-Term Impacts of Gun Violence on Mental Health

Apr 01 2025

Gun violence is a serious concern in the U.S., but much is still unknown about how exposure impacts mental health. Analyzing data from a survey of 10,000 U.S. adults, researchers found that respondents had been exposed to multiple types of gun violence, from community mass shootings to injury in targeted, non-mass shootings. Mental health effects were common across exposure types, but long-term effects were reported more often among individuals who had experienced non-mass shooting events. The findings highlight the need for intentional, lasting mental health support for individuals impacted by gun violence. To learn more, see the study in Nature Mental Health.

Mental Health Podcasts May Be Beneficial, but More Research is Needed

Mental Health Podcasts May Be Beneficial, but More Research is Needed

Mar 01 2025

Can mental health podcasts actually improve symptoms for listeners? Researchers conducted a review of 20 studies investigating the impact of podcasts using different types of interventions – like mediation, mindfulness, and educational content – on mental health outcomes. Listeners generally experienced positive effects on stress and other outcomes, suggesting podcasts may provide an accessible way to increase mental wellbeing. However, the authors note that there are relatively few studies compared to the number of mental health podcasts available, and more research is needed. To learn more, see the study in PLOS Mental Health.

Factors Associated with Availability of Mobile Crisis Services

Factors Associated with Availability of Mobile Crisis Services

Feb 01 2025

Mobile crisis services are an important part of the mental health continuum of care, but access to these services varies. Analyzing data from a 2022 national survey of U.S. mental health treatment facilities, researchers found that more than 20% of facilities offered mobile crisis services. Facilities with integrated mental health services – such as suicide prevention and substance use services – were more likely to offer mobile crisis services. Mobile crisis services were also more likely in areas with higher proportions of individuals without insurance, covered by Medicaid, and with disabilities. To learn more, see the study in JAMA.

Using Digital Mental Health Tools in Populations with Serious Mental Illness

Using Digital Mental Health Tools in Populations with Serious Mental Illness

Jan 01 2025

Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) like phone apps and wearable technology can be helpful for managing symptoms, but consistent use can be difficult, especially considering the unique challenges of serious mental illness. Researchers conducted a review of existing research to understand factors that help or hurt engagement with DMHIs by individuals with schizophrenia spectrum conditions or bipolar disorder and clinical staff. While simple, easy-to-use designs and human support improved engagement, lack of comfort with/access to technology and fears that the tools would replace person-to-person care had the opposite effect. To learn more, see the study in JMIR.

Study Finds Rates of Anxiety and Depression Still Higher Compared to Pre-COVID

Study Finds Rates of Anxiety and Depression Still Higher Compared to Pre-COVID

Sep 30 2024

COVID-19 had significant negative impacts on mental health, but less is known about how wellbeing has fared since the height of the pandemic. In a recent analysis, researchers compared rates of anxiety and depression among U.S. adults before, during, and after the pandemic using baseline data from the National Health Interview Survey and COVID-era data from the CDC Household Pulse Survey. Although rates of anxiety or depression improved from 37.6% to 29.5% between the first year of the pandemic and the following “COVID recovery period,” levels remain higher than the pre-pandemic baseline of 10.8%. To learn more, see the study in The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Learning More About Clinical Experiences Related to Schizophrenia

Learning More About Clinical Experiences Related to Schizophrenia

Sep 23 2024

The U.S. Mental and Substance Use Disorders Prevalence Study (MDPS) was a landmark research effort designed to provide updated prevalence estimates for mental health conditions – including schizophrenia spectrum conditions – in U.S. adults. In a recent study, researchers used MDPS data to better understand characteristics associated with schizophrenia spectrum conditions. Major depressive episodes, alcohol use disorder and cannabis use disorder were common co-occurring conditions for people with schizophrenia spectrum conditions. Critically, just 26% of people with schizophrenia spectrum conditions received the bare minimum of adequate treatment in the past year. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatric Services.

Spiritual and Religious Practices of Mental Health Service Users

Spiritual and Religious Practices of Mental Health Service Users

Sep 01 2024

Spirituality and religion can play an important role in mental health, affecting how people cope with symptoms and receive support. In a survey of nearly 1,000 U.S. adults receiving mental health services, more than 70% identified as moderately/very spiritual, 56% as moderately/very religious, and 50% as both. Notably, most respondents indicated that their religious/spiritual practices have a positive impact on their mental health. However, some respondents indicated a more negative experience with elements of religion/spirituality and mental health, illuminating the complexities of the relationship. To learn more, see the study in Social Work Research. And for resources on navigating mental health through your own spiritual or religious lens, see NAMI FaithNet.

Evaluating an Online Mental Health Training Curriculum for School Nurses

Evaluating an Online Mental Health Training Curriculum for School Nurses

Aug 15 2024

School nurses represent a critical point for youth to be engaged in mental health support and education, but they often do not receive enough relevant mental health training. In a recent study, researchers investigated the usefulness of a free, online mental health training program known as the Mental Health Training Intervention for Health Providers in Schools. Participants included more than 1,000 registered nurses and nurse practitioners who completed at least one training module. Overall, participants reported that the intervention was feasible, accessible, and helped them feel better prepared to support student mental health. To learn more, see the study in The Journal of School Nursing.

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