Major US cities embrace mental health response with behavioral clinicians replacing police in 911 calls

Data gathered by The Associated Press show at least 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are hosting or starting such programs, sometimes called civilian, alternative or non-police response teams.

US suicide rate reached highest number ever last year

Experts caution that suicide is complicated, and that recent increases might be driven by higher rates of depression or limited availability of mental health services.

US suicides hit an all-time high last year

About 49,500 people took their own lives last year in the U.S., the highest number ever, according to new government data posted Thursday.

Data shows nearly 30% of Americans live alone

Single-person households in the U.S. are on the rise, with nearly 30% of Americans living alone – and D.C. is one of the ‘loneliest’ cities. 

1 year later, how is 988 mental health crisis hotline doing? Here's what you should know

It has been a year since a national three-digit number was launched for people in a mental health crisis, and officials say the service has helped many in its first year. Here's what you should know about 988, and how it's doing so far.

ACLU files new mental health response lawsuit in DC

D.C. non-profit, Bread for the City has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the District of Columbia’s practice of sending police officers rather than mental health providers in response to mental health emergencies.

Suicides and homicides among young people spiked early in pandemic, study says

Experts cited several potential reasons for the increases in suicides and homicides, including higher rates of depression, limited availability of mental health services, and the number of guns in homes.

Surgeon general warns social media can have 'profound risk of harm' for kids

Could social media for kids be regulated next, like car seats and baby formula? The U.S. surgeon general is pushing policymakers to consider change in a new report on social media and youth mental health.

Google to add pre-written text prompts to suicide-related search results

When someone searches for suicide-related terms, they’ll see a prompt with conversation starters they can send via text in an effort to “reduce the stigma” of reaching out for help.

Heather Armstrong, mommy blogger known as Dooce, dies at 47

Armstrong’s boyfriend, Pete Ashdown, told The Associated Press that he found her Tuesday night at their Salt Lake City home.

Loneliness poses risks as deadly as smoking, US surgeon general says

“(Loneliness) is like hunger or thirst. It's a feeling the body sends us when something we need for survival is missing," the U.S. surgeon general said.

Metro raises autism awareness with special station announcements

Metro is raising autism awareness with a special series of station announcements made by children and young adults with an autism diagnosis.