Articles, Leading Stories
Law requires Medicaid coverage of autism services
By Rivkela Brodsky
A new law in Massachusetts will expand assistance and services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders when it goes into effect in November.
Signed by Gov. Deval...
Heywood Healthcare to purchase property for mental health services
By Phyllis Hanlon
As early as the end of the year, Heywood Healthcare, an independent system that operates the non-profit, 134-bed acute-care Heywood Hospital in Gardner and Athol Hospital, a...
‘Quack’ psychology practices come under fire
By Phyllis Hanlon
In October 2012, a team of researchers from Simmons College, the University of Scranton and DePaul University conducted a Delphi poll, i.e., a structured, two-round systematic...
Study: xenon gas could reduce or omit painful memories
By Rivkela Brodsky
There may be a new treatment for those dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder, according to a study by researchers at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass.
The study,...
Legalization of marijuana could harm young users
By Pamela Berard
Psychologists discussed the possible public health implications of marijuana legalization – including the negative effects on the brains of teenagers and young adults who...
Psychologist studies how culture affects visual pathways
By Catherine Robertson Souter
The scientific research that makes a big splash on the front page of local media or gets top billing in a scientific journal tends to be information that has a direct...
Predictive neglect: programs may modify outcomes
By Phyllis Hanlon
In spite of awareness and education campaigns, mental illness still carries a stigma that can affect individuals in the community, workplace and home. For families, a mental...
Reforms proposed for Bridgewater State Hospital
By Janine Weisman
One patient was held in seclusion for 13 months despite no evidence he showed a risk of imminent harm. Another was held in seclusion for five months, even though progress notes...
Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital opens
By Rivkela Brodsky
Almost three years after Vermont’s antiquated psychiatric hospital in Waterbury was forced to close because of flooding from Hurricane Irene, the state held a ribbon cutting...
Law: health plans must disclose coverage criteria
By Catherine Robertson Souter
In a move that should increase transparency for mental health providers dealing with insurance plans, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed House Bill 3704, An Act...