​Community groups and healthcare providers urged the Chicago City Council to pass a budget amendment that would allow for $25 million in funds to pay for mental health services aimed at long-term trauma care. It would include funding to reopen the previously closed city-run mental health clinics and expand the services already provided by nonprofits, clinics, and hospitals across the city. The amendment was supported by multiple aldermen and a number of community organizations.
 
Budget Cuts
 
The amendment did not make it into the final budget that was passed in November. Chicago government continues to turn a blind eye toward the need for better mental health care. In 2012, six city-run mental health clinics were closed due to budget cuts. There is a dire need for increased funding. The facilities that currently exist are understaffed and lack staff with training in trauma. A studyfound that in the Southwest side of the city, there were only 67 clinicians to serve the area. This means there are 0.17 clinicians per 1,000 residents. 
 
City officials said that any increases in the budget would likely not be used to reopen the closed state-run facilities and the city would likely use the funds to expand the existing network of providers. As it stands, many clinics have long waiting lists, and access to services is not guaranteed.  
 
Further Problems
 
Meanwhile, Federal authorities announcedthey would be pulling funding from a Chicago psychiatric center amidst reports of physical and sexual abuse of young patients. Chicago Lakeshore Hospital receives a majority of its funding from Medicaid and stands to lose that funding if they fail to comply with federal regulations. Without federal funding, the facility will close, further reducing the availability of mental health care in the city. It is important that mental health care is available and of a high enough quality so that patients aren't placed in danger. The problems with Chicago Lakeshore highlight the impact that cuts in mental health funding place on the community.
 
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.

​As we better understand the prevalence of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, many people turn to their phones to help aid in their mental health. Our phones contain apps that help us with everything from shopping to entertainment, so why shouldn’t they help with our mental well-being? 
 
Mental health apps have become so advanced and popular that they are even being recommended by therapists and other clinicians for use by their patients. The apps can be used by people who don’t have the time, money, or inclination to participate in in-person treatment, or as a useful tool to be used between therapist visits. Some of the most popular mental health apps include: 
 
Talkspace
 
For a weekly fee, Talkspace allows users to connect virtually with a licensed therapist. Users can contact the therapists through video sessions, chat, or via text messaging. A free consultation is provided with a “matching agent” that helps find the appropriate therapist for the user. 
 
BetterHelp
 
Another online counseling app, BetterHelp connects users with licensed therapists for a monthly fee. Therapy services are provided through web-based interaction as well as phone and text messaging. 
 
7 Cups
 
7 Cups is an app that connects people with free, confidential, and anonymous chats text chats with “trained listeners,” therapists, and counselors. The app is free and provides on demand, 24/7 assistance.
 
Happify
 
Through the use of research-backed activities and games, the Happify app claims to help users overcome stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts. Using techniques based on cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and mindfulness, the app attempts to help user break free from unhealthy patterns and move forward.
 
Headspace
 
Headspace is an app that assists users with mindfulness and meditation. Individuals can use the guided meditation app for a few minutes a day get access to meditations meant to relieve stress and anxiety or to help with sleep and focus.
 
Calm
 
Named by Apple as the 2017 App of the Year, Calm offers people experiencing stress and anxiety, guided meditations, calming music, sleep stories, and breathing programs. 
 
What’s Up
 
What’s Upis a free app that provides users with tools to cope with depression, anxiety, anger, and stress. The app also allows users to connect with others via discussion forums.
 
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.

​Most individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) never interact with the criminal justice system and more likely to be victims of crime than commit crimes. However, people with ASD are seven times more likelyto come in contact with the criminal justice system than those without the disorder. 
 
People with ASD who get in trouble with the law may not even realize that they have committed a crime. Actions such as inappropriate sexual advances, threats, aggressive behavior, stalking, and involvement as an accomplice with false friends can definitely lead to situations that would seem to deserve criminal punishment. But this assumption fails to take into account the unique challenges faced by someone with ASD. 
 
Interactions with Criminal Justice Professionals
 
Individuals with ASD may have some behaviors that predispose them to criminal charges. Lack of social and communication skills, some degree of naivete, aggression triggered by a disruption in routine or social misunderstanding, and obsessive behavior can all lead to alleged involvement in criminal behavior. Positive interactions with law enforcement could help curb some of these issues. Tools such as autism ID cards and special training for law enforcement could help prevent interactions from escalating and leading to criminal charges.
 
Once in the criminal justice system, people with ASD Social and communication issues such as failing to make eye contact can lead criminal justice professionals to believe that someone with ASD is being deceitful. A lack of communication or failure to respond to questions can be seen as rude and disrespectful. In addition, standard interrogation techniques can confuse someone with ASD and lead to misleading statements and false confessions. Inappropriate laughter or a loud vocal tone could lead to a judge believing that someone with ASD is a guilty and remorseless person. Criminal justice professionals across the board should be trained on how to respond to individuals with ASD.
 
Sentencing Considerations
 
Sometimes it is clear that the person with ASD did commit the crime in question. Depending on the situation, diversion programs or a probation program may be the right solution. However, people with ASD can have issues complying with such traditional probation programs. A person with ASD may not be able to sit through a group therapy session or communicate personal information. Consideration of the challenges faced by a person with ASD should be taken into account when crafting an appropriate sentence. 
 
If a person with ASD is sent to jail, they face risks to their safety due to their symptoms. Corrections officers and other inmates may see the person with ASD as rude and uncontrollable. Corrections professionals should receive proper training on how to prevent negative interactions with inmates with ASD.
 
If you or a loved one with a mental disability 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 and intellectual and developmental disabilities. To schedule a consultation call (509) 991-7058.

​Two studies were recently published showing that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a shorter life span than the general population. A 2017 American studypublished in the American Journal of Public Healthfound that the average lifespan for individuals with ASD was 36.2 years. A Swedish studypublished in the British Journal of Psychiatryshowed that individuals with ASD who had an intellectual disability had a life expectancy of 39.5 years compared to 70 years for the general population. Individuals with ASD who did not have an intellectual disability had an average lifespan of 58 years. 
 
Causes of Earlier Death
 
The American study found that a significant number of individuals with ASD died as the result of an injury. Suffocation was found to be the leading cause, followed by asphyxiation and drowning. A child with ASD was 160 times more likely to die from drowning compared to other children. This may be because children with ASD are more likely to wanderaway from caregivers, especially towards the water, when faced with anxiety.  
 
According to the Swedish study heart disease, seizures, and suicide were the three main causes of death in those with ASD. People with ASD are more likely to suffer from epilepsy than the general population. Frequent and intense seizures that are poorly controlled by medication can be fatal. Congenital heart disease genes are also linked to ASD. In addition, individuals with mild to moderate ASD also suffer from depression at a higher than average rate which can lead to increased suicidal behavior. 
 
What Can Be Done
 
Families and caretakers of those with ASD can take steps to help prevent early death. Parents can make sure that their children with ASD take swimming lessons and learn water safety to decrease the incidence of drowning. Closely monitoring children with ASD to prevent drowning and other injuries is also important. People with ASD and epilepsy should ensure that they are properly treated and medicated to prevent and control seizures. They should also be tested and treated for any heart disease. Early diagnosis and treatment of depression and other mental illness in individuals with ASD is also an essential part of preventing early death.
 
If you or a loved one with a mental disability 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 and intellectual and developmental disabilities. To schedule a consultation call (509) 991-7058.