-
On today’s episode of The Confluence: The state has begun to regulate harmful PFAS chemicals, but plans for federal regulation could alter the trajectory; a Duquesne professor weighs in on how K-12 schools can support students’ mental health at a time when pediatric and child psychiatric groups are declaring a state of emergency; and we visit an illegal dumpsite in the east hills with a crew of “DumpBusters” ready to clean it up.
-
Demand for therapy has rocketed since the start of the pandemic. Many mental health professionals say that’s been hard, and some are seeking counseling themselves. Therapist Mike Elliot says COVID-19 has changed the way he practices.
-
COVID-19 is adding stress to Pennsylvania’s underfunded behavioral health care system.
-
Neal Holmes, a therapist who specializes in treating Black Pittsburghers, talks about how the past 18 months has impacted his practice.
-
The isolation many people experienced over the last 18 months has resulted in the relapse or development of new drug and alcohol addictions for some western Pennsylvanians.
-
On today’s program: We hear how waivers that provided more flexibility and eased administrative burdens helped medical facilities face the pandemic, but they’re set to expire later this month; an obstetrician-gynecologist explains why a new bereavement leave policy for city employees will help those facing pregnancy loss; and a conversation about the increasing mental health needs of children and teenagers in the pandemic.
-
As a result of the pandemic, many kids have needed mental health treatment. UPMC reports that the volume of pediatric patients seeking this care is up 30% since the spring of 2020.
-
Like most mental health professionals, marriage therapists are experiencing a surge in people seeking counseling.
-
On today’s program: The state has already created guidance for expanding dementia care in the commonwealth, but despite a growing, aging population, few recommendations have been implemented; we look at the possible effects of a bill meant to reduce gun violence due to mental health crises, which has been introduced to the state legislature; and a reflection from Colonel Paul Evanko, the commissioner of the State Police when Flight 93 went down in Somerset County on Sept. 11, 2001.
-
Mental health professionals have reported surging demand from people seeking therapy since the start of the pandemic.