Posts Tagged Mental Health
Changes to Virginia’s behavioral health system will be a major focus of this year’s session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 10, 2023
Lawmakers will return to Richmond Wednesday, where they will be debating hundreds of bills. As Michael Pope tells us, one issue that is likely to be central to the General Assembly session is transforming Virginia’s behavioral health system.
Advocates say mental health push needs separate teams for separate issues
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 2, 2023
Lawmakers are about to consider massive new changes to Virginia’s mental health system. But, as Michael Pope reports, part of the discussion will be about isolating the problem.
Governor Youngkin announces new task force to help with temporary detention orders
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2022
Governor Glenn Youngkin is creating a new task force aimed at addressing the mental health crisis in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
The pandemic and its impact on instruction is wreaking havoc on some school kids
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 23, 2021
Research is still being conducted, but early data suggests about 20% of school children are experiencing moderate to clinical levels of psychological trauma symptoms – things like anxiety, depression or even aggression. Nick Gilmore reports.
Resignations, Injuries at State Hospitals Increasing
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 16, 2021

A state health official updated lawmakers on the dire situation at Virginia’s mental hospitals Thursday, after she she told five of eight state-run hospitals to stop admitting new patients last week. Jahd Khalil reports.
Conference Committee Working on Bill Allowing Mental Health Testimony in Criminal Cases
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 24, 2021

People with developmental disabilities are incarcerated much more often than the rest of the population. But when defending themselves, they’re not allowed to introduce evidence about their mental state at the time of the alleged crime. Jahd Khalil reports on how that practice could end.
Stress Injuries Common During COVID Crisis
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 7, 2020

Credit: CDC
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been watching for certain symptoms – fever, for example, or cough. But for anyone touched by this crisis there may also be psychological symptoms. Sandy Hausman reports.
Virginia is Facing a Critical Shortage of Mental Health Professionals
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 29, 2019
As May comes to a close, the issues surrounding mental health continue to resonate during Mental Health Awareness Month. Some parts of the state are struggling more than others. Michael Pope reports.
Tackling the Growing Demand for Psychiatric Services in Virginia’s Hospitals
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 9, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Across Virginia there’s been an uptick in psychiatric admissions to hospitals, to the point where beds are filling up. Thursday a group from the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association rolled out some ideas on what can be done. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Virginia CSB’s Offer Same Day Services
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 15, 2019
Someone trying to get a mental health evaluation can now walk into any of the state’s community services boards and get one right away, instead of waiting days or even weeks for an appointment. It’s a dramatic shift that the state has been working towards for years. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Law Students Challenge Need for Mental Health Question
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 24, 2018
Law students around the state are demanding a change in Virginia’s Bar Exam. They say a question that asks for mental health history has a chilling effect on future lawyers. The push comes after the American Bar Association recently recommended states re-evaluate whether to ask for the sensitive information. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Lawmakers Continue to Discuss Changes to Criminal Justice System, Including Mental Health Reform
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 5, 2018

Credit: jeffrey montes / Flickr
Jails across Virginia are becoming de facto mental institutions as more and more inmates arrive every day with serious mental illness. And, lawmakers are hoping better treatment in jail might free up psychiatric beds for those not caught up in the criminal justice system. Micheal Pope reports.
A Racial Divide for Mental Health Care Exists in Virginia
Posted by dmjones101 in Virginia's News on August 4, 2017
For years, lawmakers in Virginia have struggled to find ways to expand mental health care — with mixed results. A new report from the Commonwealth Institute finds a racial divide in terms of who gets help. Michael Pope has the story.
Lawmakers Struggle to Find Money for Mental Health Screenings for Inmates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 20, 2017

Virginia State Senator, Creigh Deeds, speaks to Delegate James LeMunyon, R-Fairfax, left, during the House session at the Capitol in Richmond, VA, in 2014. Deeds is still pushing for mental health legislation, but funding is falling short. (Credit: Steve Helber / AP)
Lawmakers started the session with a resolve to do something about the problem of mental illness in Virginia jails, an effort that has urgency this year because of a tragic death that happened last year. But as Michael Pope reports, now lawmakers are saying they can’t find the money to change the system.
Jamycheal Mitchell’s Death is Sparking Discussions Over Mental Health Reform at the General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 18, 2017

Senator Barbara Favola is pushing legislation that would require mental health training for all correctional officers in the state. (Credit: Cliff / Creative Commons)
The death of a mentally ill man at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail is prompting lawmakers to take action in Richmond. Michael Pope has the story.
New State Grants Hope to Help Keep Inmates with Mental Illnesses Out of Jail
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 13, 2016

Virginia’s Secretary of Public Health, Brian Moran
The state has awarded $3.5 million in grants to six regional jails to provide mental health services. Officials hope to address the underlying cause of crimes — to keep inmates from coming back after they’re released. Sandy Hausman has more on that story.