Articles, Leading Stories

October 1st, 2014

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...

August 22nd, 2014

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...

August 22nd, 2014

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...

August 22nd, 2014

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...

August 22nd, 2014

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...

August 22nd, 2014

Rhode Island law requires records reporting to database

By Howard Newman

Joining the ranks of 42 other states, Rhode Island passed legislation that requires the reporting of information about individuals with serious mental health issues to the...

August 22nd, 2014

Retreat, outdoor experiences help cancer patients, veterans

By Susan Gonsalves

The combination of social support and a retreat setting resulted in significant reduction in depression and anxiety for women diagnosed with stages 1 or 2 breast cancer....

August 22nd, 2014

Name change highlights linked network

By Rivkela Brodsky

Fletcher Allen Partners will soon be named The University of Vermont Health Network and the four hospitals in Vermont and northern New York that are part of that network will...

August 22nd, 2014

Child abuse increases in Maine

By Catherine Robertson Souter

Some disheartening news recently has come out of Maine with reports that physical abuse of children has risen 58 percent in two years.

In its “Child Protective...

August 22nd, 2014

Task force offers recommendations to improve services

By Pamela Berard

A Connecticut task force created by legislation following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings released its final report featuring 47 recommendations designed to improve...