Approximately one in five mothers develops postpartum depression after giving birth. Postpartum depression is a debilitating condition that can have a detrimental effect on the health of a mother and baby. Now New York City is taking steps to help mothers with its New Family Home Visits initiative.

New Family Home Visits Initiative

Chirlaine McCray, the city’s first lady, is behind the city’s effort to address postpartum depression in new mothers. Every first-time parent in New York City will be eligible to receive a total of six in-person visits from mental health professionals. It is unclear whether these visits will change to telehealth in light of COVID-19 concerns. The New Family Home Visits Initiative will begin in Brooklyn later this summer and expand to the rest of the city by 2024. There are similar programs in Chicago and Durham, but New York City’s will be the largest once it ramps up. 

The city will team up with community-based organizations to send a community health worker, doula, or nurse with mental health training into people's homes. The program is available to first-time parents regardless of gender or sexual orientation and is also available to adoptive parents. By opening the visits to everyone, the city hopes that it will reduce the stigma and that more parents will participate in the program. In addition, maternal depression screenings are now mandatory at all hospitals, in an effort to identify mothers at risk and get them the help they need.

Not Just Postpartum Depression

The city's effort is part of a nationwide push to help new mothers battling postpartum depression. Becoming a parent is a difficult and overwhelming transition, and help in all aspects of parenting is needed. Other home visiting programs help with children's cognitive development, offer parenting tips and assistance, and focus on maternal mental health. These programs are helpful in reducing child abuse and emergency room visits. While many of these home visit programs are on hold due to COVID-19, there are still programs that provide remote assistance and are available for first-time parents over the phone.

If you or a loved one has a mental disability and has been arrested or convicted of a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Elizabeth Kelley specializes in representing individuals with mental disabilities. To schedule a consultation call (509) 991-7058.
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Many of us have tabletop virtual assistants such as Alexa and Google Home and find them helpful for accomplishing tasks such as playing music and making shopping lists. While these devices act as a basic form of artificial intelligence (AI), AI is evolving and could soon become a part of your life in a more significant way. 

Artificial Intelligence

Mental health may be part of the future of AI. AI is based on machine-learning algorithms, and if forward-thinking doctors and investors have their way, it could be a part of mental health therapy. One day your therapist could be a virtual human capable of listening and counseling. Some believe that AI tools will help mental health providers optimize patient care. For instance, if you need psychiatric medication, AI can help find the right one based on your biology and other factors and eliminate the frustrating trial and error that comes with medication.

AI algorithms can also determine whether, for example, someone is likely to attempt suicide. They can use information such as someone's age, gender, responses to questions, and other factors to make this determination. Facebook currently uses AI to flag posts that suggest suicidal ideas or self-harm.

Cost Saving Measures

Currently, mental health treatment is expensive, and caring for patients with precision is the key to cost-effective and helpful care. Current therapy and treatment methods often can't pinpoint the unique needs of every patient. Doing so often requires extensive therapy, which costs money and time that people may not be willing to forgo. With AI therapy, there is the potential to be faster and cheaper, and therefore more effective. These factors can result in more patients seeking treatment.

AI also appeals to cost-conscious health insurers and employers. Currently, a startup company called Lyra Health uses data to diagnose mental health conditions and to match patients up with providers. In addition, many large companies offer their employees the services of Spring Health, which uses predictive models to detect mental states and recommends appropriate treatment. People can also use cell phone-based "chatbots" to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy. The chatbots simulate human conversation through voice and text and have been found to reduce depressive episodes in users.  

Reshaping Mental Health Care

The use of AI in mental health therapy will change the face of mental health care. One out of every five adults in the United States experiences a mental illness. Less than half of those individuals receive treatment. AI would make treatment more accessible, and there is evidence that people may be more likely to rely on AI treatment. Many rural counties that have no access to mental health care could now have various treatment options available through AI. AI-based tools could also help destigmatize mental health care, which, coupled with cost savings, would make more people willing to use the treatment. 

If you or a loved one has a mental disability and has been arrested or convicted of a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Elizabeth Kelley specializes in representing individuals with mental illnesses. To schedule a consultation call (509) 991-7058.
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In February of 2020, the group Physicians for Human Rights released a report regarding the psychological effects of family separation. The report came after an in-depth review and psychological evaluation of 26 asylum seekers in the United States. The asylum seekers included nine children and seventeen adults who had been separated from their families.

Psychological Trauma

Physicians noted that individuals who were separated from their families under the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy suffered from psychological trauma. This trauma ranged from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to depression and anxiety. In almost every case they examined, the group noted some level of psychological trauma that required further intervention. Most of the individuals met the diagnostic criteria for at least one mental health condition. 

Many of the individuals were already suffering trauma as a result of violence or other adverse conditions in their home countries. The report concluded that the forced separation exacerbated any pre-migration trauma these individuals endured that led them to seek asylum in the first place. Children, in some cases, were afraid of strangers even after being reunited with their families. In addition, some children showed signs of regression, such as bedwetting and not being willing to leave their parent's side. Reunification was not enough to prevent the trauma. Further interventions and therapy were necessary.

People tend to think of children as being very resilient. However, the fact is that the psychological trauma of forced family separation can haunt a child for years. Family separation can damage the bonds that a parent and child have together. Trauma caused by separation can have a detrimental effect on a child’s schoolwork and social skills and impact their daily lives. 

Treatment is Necessary

The report noted that the individuals reviewed in the study most likely required further follow up and treatment for their trauma. Without treatment, the long-lasting effects of trauma could cause symptoms for years to come. The total number of children separated from their families remains unknown. At least 471 parents were deported without their children. Because this psychological trauma is the result of the government's actions, the report notes that the government should be responsible for providing the necessary treatment. In November, a U.S. District Judge ordered the government to begin providing mental health screenings and treatment to families who had been separated under the family separation policy. An appeal of the order has been withdrawn. 

If you or a loved one has a mental disability and has been arrested or convicted of a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Elizabeth Kelley specializes in representing individuals with mental disabilities. To schedule a consultation call (509) 991-7058.

According to a study out of Florida International University, children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can expect meaningful real-world consequences when they become adults. Children with ADHD tend to lag behind their peers when they are younger, and this lag often continues well into adulthood. This occurs even if the symptoms of ADHD, including an inability to focus, impulse control issues, and hyperactivity, appear to have been controlled.
 
The Study
 
The study found that the consequences a child with ADHD may experience in adulthood will likely include financial struggles. The study tracked 364 adults aged 25 to 30 who had been diagnosed with ADHD as children and compared them to a control group of the same age. The study found that by age 30, individuals without ADHD were far more likely than those in the study with ADHD to have achieved the traditional markers of financial independence, including:
 

• Homeownership—42% of those without ADHD owned homes compared to 22% of those with ADHD
• Savings—the average savings for people without ADHD was $9,970 compared to $3,390 for those with ADHD
• Living Outside of a Family Member’s Home—91 % of those without ADHD versus 70% of those with ADHD.

The study also found that individuals with ADHD earned 37% less than those who did not have an ADHD diagnosis. These income disparities are similar to those found in individuals with severe mental illness. Individuals with an ADHD diagnosis were also more likely to be on public assistance. Overall, study participants with a history of ADHD were projected to earn $1.27 million less than the control participants.
 
There were limitations to the study. The small number of participants made the results less reliable. In addition, a significant number of study participants had other behavior disorders, including conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. The study also did not look at participants older than 30 years.
 
Regardless of its limitations, the study does point to the fact that we need more educational support. People with ADHD should be taught life skills that may come more naturally to others. These include executive skills like planning and setting goals. These skills could better prepare them for handling their lives as adults.
 
If you or a loved one has a mental disability and has been arrested or convicted of a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Elizabeth Kelley specializes in representing individuals with mental disabilities. To schedule a consultation call (509) 991-7058.

​The suicide rate in California prisons reached its highest level in decades in 2019. The total number of suicides in prison for 2019 was 36. This is a rate of 28.7 suicides per 100,000 prisoners, which results in an increase over last year's rate of 26.3. This rate is well above the national average of 20 and is the highest rate since tracking of the figure began in California in 1990. The suicide rate in California prisons is more than double the rate in the general American population.
 
Failures in Mental Health Care
 
California’s suicides are most likely the result of a system that has failed for decades to properly help prisoners with mental illness. In a 1995 decision by a federal court, it was found that the inadequate mental health care in prison was so bad that it violated the constitutional rights of the prisoners. Corrections officials were forced by the court to make reforms, and the court appointed a Special Master to oversee the prison system.
It has also been reported that failures to obey policy and procedure have led to an increase in suicides. Prisoners who were at risk for suicides were not properly monitored. In addition, long wait times for mental health care and a lack of prison psychiatrists could all have contributed to the crisis.
 
Disturbingly, 10 of the 36 suicides occurred in special housing units where prisoners are kept separate from the general population, sometimes in solitary confinement. Prisoners in special housing may have psychiatric issues, have violated prison rules, or have known gang affiliations. Given the small number of prisoners in special housing, this suicide rate amounted to a shocking 203.3 deaths per 100,000 people.
 
This increase in suicides in California prisons may result in increased federal scrutiny of the system, which is already under the microscope. Suicidal people behind bars in California are clearly not getting the help they need. In order to improve the system, serious changes must be implemented or the crisis will worsen.
 
If you or a loved one has a mental disability and has been arrested or convicted of a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Elizabeth Kelley specializes in representing individuals with mental disabilities. To schedule a consultation call (509) 991-7058.

​It is a well-known fact that the faithful companionship of a dog can help with an individual’s emotional well-being. Now a new study out of Johns Hopkins University suggests that exposure to man’s best friend at a young age may decrease a person’s chance of developing schizophrenia.
 
The Study
 
The study looked at patients at Sheppard Pratt Health System in Baltimore. These adult patients consisted of 396 people with schizophrenia and 381 with bipolar disorder. The individuals were compared to 594 healthy controls. Participants in the study reported whether they had a dog or a cat when they were growing up.
 
More than half of the study subjects reported having dogs before their 13th birthdays. About a third reported having cats. Researchers, accounting for other factors, found that exposure to a dog at any time in childhood led to a 24% decrease in the incidences of schizophrenia. Subjects exposed to dogs at birth were 55% less likely to have schizophrenia than those individuals who had no exposure at all. There was no significant effect with exposure to cats, and neither animal affected the development of bipolar disorder.
 
Researchers adjusted their study results to account for other known risk factors. However, there are limitations to the study due to the reliance on participants self-reporting their childhood exposure to dogs. There should be more research to determine whether there is a direct correlation between dogs and schizophrenia.
 
Reasons for the Results
 
While the study did not pinpoint the reasons why there may be a correlation between exposure to dogs and the development of schizophrenia, there are some possible theories. Previous studies have shown early life exposure to dogs can alter the immune system. It could be that effects on allergy responses, contact with animal bacteria, changes in a home's microbiome, and pet-induced stress reduction could alter an individual's brain chemistry. This change in the immune system may alter the risk of developing psychiatric disorders to which a person is otherwise predisposed.
 
If you or a loved one has a mental disability and has been arrested or convicted of a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Elizabeth Kelley specializes in representing individuals with mental disabilities. To schedule a consultation call (509) 991-7058.

​According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 59 children in the United States has autism spectrum disorder. About 1 in 6 children has severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, people with disabilities are 2.5 times more likely to be victims of violent crime. However, roughly one-third to almost half of all people killed by law enforcement suffer from a disability.
 
Dealing With the Differences
 
Many police officers have difficulties dealing with people with autism or other differences. Most of this is due to a lack of appropriate training. This situation was brought to the forefront in the summer of 2019 when an off-duty police officer shot and killed a man who was nonverbal and developmentally disabled. Most police officers don’t understand the symptoms of conditions like autism and other mental disabilities. They look at behaviors such as self-stimulation, delusions, anxiety, and anger as criminal behavior.
 
Not a Crime
 
It is critical that police officers are trained that having a mental disability is not a crime. Police departments across the country are now finding that they have a problem when it comes to how they deal with the disabled. Many are now conducting Crisis Intervention Training, which is conducted by mental health experts. This training can help police officers recognize the symptoms of autism and learn practical ways to approach individuals with a mental disability. The officers can learn how to deescalate a situation rather than making matters worse. During this training, police officers should also be taught that not everyone with autism behaves in the same manner, and they should be prepared for any situation.
 
Training that encourages police officers to interact with the autism community can be especially helpful in gaining a better understanding of the disorder. Communicating with families and advocates can help police officers gain perspective. A real-life connection to individuals with disabilities can bridge the communication gap and lead to better encounters.
 
If you or a loved one has a mental disability and has been arrested or convicted of a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Elizabeth Kelley specializes in representing individuals with mental disabilities. To schedule a consultation call (509) 991-7058.

​In December of 2019, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a report on autism. The report was an extensive document that summarized 12 years of research and clinical activity. Researchers noted that one key message of the report was the emphasis on early identification and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. The report noted that treatment should begin even if a diagnosis of autism is only suspected but not confirmed. The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcomes.
 
Early Diagnosis
 
The average age of autism diagnosis is age four. However, researchers note that the goal should be to get a diagnosis under two years of age. Children who are at high risk, such as those with siblings that have autism, should receive close screening and attention. Unfortunately, many specialty clinics have long waits, and it can take months to see someone to receive a diagnosis. The authors of the report are hopeful that more pediatricians can refer families to early intervention services before a specific diagnosis has been confirmed.
 
Types of Treatment
 
There are various treatments available to children with autism. The most intense treatment is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This treatment addresses specific behaviors, identifies triggers, and rewards children when they behave in the desired way. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and occupational therapy have also proved helpful. In some cases, medication treatment may be necessary. Regardless of the type of intervention, the earlier the treatment is begun, the more effective it will be.
 
There are also a host of other medical, behavioral, and psychiatric conditions that children with autism may have. These conditions can affect a child’s overall functioning. Addressing these conditions early with medication or therapy can also be extremely helpful.
 
Growing Up
 
With the use of early treatment, some children with autism reach an optimal outcome to where all of their symptoms are under control. However, for many, work on transitioning into school and then adulthood must be considered. Early diagnosis and treatment can help make these conversations possible and lead to more successful planning for the future.
 
If you or a loved one has a mental disability and has been arrested or convicted of a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Elizabeth Kelley specializes in representing individuals with mental disabilities. To schedule a consultation call (509) 991-7058.

​In New York State, suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. With adequate mental health care, perhaps many of those deaths could have been prevented. However, in the face of rising teen suicides, New York State plans to reduce access to mental health care for children.
 
At the end of 2019, New York State cut reimbursement rates for behavioral health services for children and families eligible for Medicaid. These services were provided through a program called Children and Family Treatment and Support Services. Medicaid provides healthcare coverage to roughly one-third of the state. That number includes more than 200,000 children and adolescents with mental health problems.
 
Already a Struggle
 
Children across the state already struggle to get the mental health care they need. Many languish on waiting lists for care. They regularly wait for weeks or even months to receive care for sometimes serious mental illness. For every 10,000 children in New York, there are only two child psychiatrists. In much of the state, mental health care is provided by small community programs that will not be able to provide assistance if their reimbursement rates are cut.
 
These community centers are already struggling. The new reimbursement rates will cover face to face visits with children but will not provide funding for travel, taking case notes, laptops, and back-up staff. Many small health care providers will be destroyed by the cuts in funding.
 
In New York, as in most places, mental health programs struggle with high turnover and unfilled positions. This is due to the low pay and intense workload required by these providers. Further cuts will be devastating to the mental health care system, and it is the children of New York who will suffer. Many families will be forced to turn to local hospitals for their care. Community-based programs provide the most effective mental health care. Cuts to these programs will be harmful.
 
If you or a loved one has a mental disability and has been arrested or convicted of a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Elizabeth Kelley specializes in representing individuals with mental disabilities. To schedule a consultation call (509) 991-7058.