Few hospitals are willing to bear the cost of providing psychiatric care for kids
Only about 30 hospitals statewide have beds for kids who need inpatient mental health care. “No matter what the investment is, we need to make it,” says one doctor.
Kristen Schorsch
Reporter, Health and County Government
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What’s your experience with youth mental health in Illinois?
A WBEZ investigation found a lifeline for children in extreme emotional distress has become a bridge to nowhere. Help us dig deeper into youth mental health issues.
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An Illinois lifeline program for suicidal kids has become a bridge to nowhere for many
A WBEZ investigation finds that the state’s solution is buckling under the demand among low-income children for urgent mental health services.
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Kids in crisis face long waitlists as they struggle to get appointments for therapy
Treatment options for the low-income children served by SASS are limited by insurance hoops, systemic blockers and the sheer scarcity of therapists.
The scramble to find mental health services for low-income kids
SASS is state program that is supposed to connect low-income children experiencing a mental health crisis with treatment. One mother explains why mental health services are so hard to get. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporters: Kristen Schorsch and Sarah Karp
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Illinois governor lays out a roadmap for a ‘transformed’ youth mental health care system
Now, a fragmented, under-resourced system leaves many kids in crisis without enough support. A new report lays out 12 strategies to improve.
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Mental health and medical deserts: The crisis facing Chicago’s next mayor
While most of the candidates have pledged to reopen mental health clinics, they’re saying less about other pressing health care issues.
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UChicago Medicine aims to break cycle of violence with attorneys at the bedside
The $2.6 million, five-year-long program aims to help victims work through the social trauma from violence, from lost wages to help avoiding evictions.
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Cook County board approves $8.8 billion spending plan for next year
The new budget has no new taxes or tax hikes, and uses federal pandemic money to make the region a more equitable place.
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Republican Sean Morrison wins reelection to the Cook County Board
Morrison was the only incumbent Republican on the 17-member board who ran for reelection, as Democrats sought to dominate the board. The race was too close to call for another Republican candidate.
