The New York State Summit on Youth Mental Health brought together youth, parents, and experts to explore the psychological and emotional challenges impacting the well-being of youth.
In November 2021, Columbia Psychiatry stepped up as a leader in this field and named Elizabeth Ford, MD, to the newly created position of Director of Mental Health and Criminal Justice Initiatives.
“There is a very important place for stimulant medication in the treatment of ADHD, and we have to be good guardians to know who is going to be best served by them," said Dr. Frances Levin.
One report from Dr. Madelyn Gould found that nearly 90% of suicidal people surveyed who texted the lifeline thought the conversation was helpful, and nearly half reported being less suicidal.
In this OpEd, Sally Satel, a visiting professor of psychiatry at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons explores the consequences for psychiatrists if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade
Barbara Stanley, PhD, a professor of medical psychology (in psychiatry) at Columbia, agreed that asking better screening questions is crucial noting that some tools already exist.
Dr. Robert Klitzman writes that federal and state governments should establish legal protection for physicians to receive mental treatment without it being admissible in malpractice litigation.
Oscar Jiménez-Solomon, MPH, said that low wages can result in the inability to meet basic needs, repay debts and make plans. "Increases in minimum wage can save lives,” he said.
“The more people who are vocal about their drug use, we, as a society, will become less likely to vilify people for what they do with their bodies," says Dr. Carl Hart.
"Police are not clinicians," said Dr. Stephanie LeMelle. "Asking them to make a clinical assessment or to intervene with a person who is experiencing emotional distress is not reasonable."
Dr. Lloyd Sederer discusses the impact of our fragmented mental health system during this pandemic and the importance of mental health to police reform.