Mental Health

Health Care

Seattle just got 150 psych unit beds. Is it enough to make a difference?

A new psychiatric unit opened Wednesday at the University of Washington’s Northwest Hospital in North Seattle. It was funded in part by state taxpayers, and it represents a significant step toward addressing the severe shortage of inpatient beds in Washington state.

'It's hard not to give up.' Homeless diaspora emerges as Washington cities lock down public spaces

Camping bans emerging across Washington state could be a preview of what’s to come nationwide, following a U.S. Supreme Court decision expected in June. Justices are considering whether to overturn lower-court rulings in Oregon and Idaho that protect homeless people from being ticketed, charged, or arrested for sleeping on public property when there is no shelter available.

Health Care

Seattle’s troubled past and present suggest a new approach to mental health

The story of Seattle’s first known homeless man and how he was treated speaks to the continuing problems with mental health care 170 years later.

Health Care

Acute mental health resource guide – starting points

The mental health care system in Washington state can be convoluted and confusing. KUOW and The Seattle Times looked into the problem in the six-part podcast "Lost Patients." Getting help for mental health issues, and for mental illness like psychosis is not always straightforward, so we compiled a starting list of resources for anyone looking to care for themselves or their loved ones.

Science

How to give kids autonomy? 'Anxious Generation' author says a license to roam helps

Kids have too much screen time and not enough autonomy, says author Jonathan Haidt. His book The Anxious Generation argues this has caused an epidemic of mental illness and suggests ways to fix it.

Mental Health

Vulnerable patients caught in ‘churn’ between Washington mental health care systems face life and death circumstances

Lost Patients is a deeply-reported, six-part docuseries examining the difficulties of treating serious mental illness through the lens of one city's past, present and future. With real-life testimonials from patients, families, and professionals on the front lines, Lost Patients provides a real, solutions-oriented look at how we got stuck here...and what we might do to break free.

Mental Health

More Seattleites have ADHD than ever, but finding meds and docs is a challenge

An increase in awareness about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD has led to more people being diagnosed with the disorder and wider recognition of challenges faced by neurodivergent workers. But the uptick has had an unintended side effect — a nationwide shortage of stimulants used to treat ADHD such as Adderall, Concerta, and Vyvanse.