Articles, Leading Stories
Maine passes assisted outpatient treatment law
By Phyllis Hanlon
In April, Maine enhanced its existing Progressive Treatment Plan, which authorized two public hospitals – Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center in Bangor and Riverview...
The changing role of the hospital-based psychologist
By Phyllis Hanlon
While incidence of mental health-related hospitalizations hasn’t diminished, the model of inpatient care is shifting. Shrinking budgets, bed elimination and community-based...
VSH denied recertification – again
By Phyllis Hanlon
Since 2003, Vermont State Hospital (VSH) has lost, regained and once again lost its certification. In March, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) denied VSH’s...
Psych hospital limitations under Medicare to be eliminated
By Phyllis Hanlon
The passage of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 has paved the way for other types of reform related to behavioral...
Massachusetts identifies top legislative priorities
By Phyllis Hanlon
Massachusetts, like many states across the country, is struggling to survive a fiscal crisis, while attempting to maintain services for those with mental illnesses. For FY2010,...
Postpartum depression bill pondered
By Phyllis Hanlon
According to University of Minnesota researchers, 10 to 20 percent of new mothers suffer postpartum depression; however, fewer than half the cases are recognized. The...
Integrated services: a multi-disciplinary approach to healthcare
By Phyllis Hanlon
Since 2001, cooperation and collaboration among Rhode Island’s insurers, physicians and behavioral health specialists has spawned practices that marry medical and...
CPA backs mental health-related legislation
By Phyllis Hanlon
Every year, states across the country focus legislative efforts on health care, safety, children’s issues, economic matters and dozens of other concerns. This year in...
Proposed changes to Vt. legislation address mental health issues
By Phyllis Hanlon
Vermont’s Department of Mental Health (DMH) has proposed some legislative changes in hopes of expediting and simplifying processes involving individuals with mental health...
Connecticut children’s program escapes budget cuts
By Phyllis Hanlon
In 1991, stringent efforts by the national advocacy group Children’s Rights resulted in the creation of the Voluntary Services Program, which is specifically for children in...