Story perspectives

Study Reveals 43% Drop in Mental Health Care Among Kids

12/12/2025

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California Schools Impact

A study of nearly 200,000 California schoolchildren found a 43% reduction in the likelihood of seeking mental health care nine months after California schools reopened in 2021.
The study was published in Epidemiology.
Spending on mental health medications and therapies also declined.
Rita Hamad, a co-author, said policymakers underestimated the social costs of prolonged school closures.
Limitations include the focus on privately insured children, with plans to analyze Medicaid data.

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Lawmakers Demand Psychiatric Reopenings

NYC lawmakers from the City Council's Common Sense Caucus urge Governor Kathy Hochul to reopen closed psychiatric hospitals.
They note a 9% rise in street homelessness, with 4,504 people counted in January 2025.
Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola criticized the lack of long-term care options.
Although Hochul added 1,000 psychiatric beds since taking office, lawmakers seek more intensive treatment and reopening Pilgrim State and Manhattan Psychiatric Center.

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California Schools Impact

A study of nearly 200,000 California schoolchildren found a 43% reduction in the likelihood of seeking mental health care nine months after California schools reopened in 2021.
The study was published in Epidemiology.
Spending on mental health medications and therapies also declined.
Rita Hamad, a co-author, said policymakers underestimated the social costs of prolonged school closures.
Limitations include the focus on privately insured children, with plans to analyze Medicaid data.

1 / 2