Ella Ruder

The Behavioral Health Outcomes Consortium released a standardized framework Oct. 6 aimed at creating a consistent approach to measuring behavioral health outcomes nationwide.  The framework, developed during working sessions at the consortium’s BHOC26 summit in Dana Point, Calif., seeks to…

The Trump administration is considering a larger role for psychedelic substances in medicine, particularly for treating serious mental illnesses, The Hill reported Oct. 3. Here are four things to know: 1. Interest from federal health officials comes as research continues…

Several states are advancing behavioral health policy changes, from syringe service program restrictions in Indiana to Medicaid reimbursement debates in Maryland and workforce reforms in Oregon.  Here are 28 updates to know: 1. California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill…

Fentanyl is no longer the only substance keeping addiction clinicians up at night. Some of the newest threats are being sold not by dealers, but at gas stations, smoke shops and online. From potent animal sedatives contaminating the opioid supply…

Poison control centers are raising concerns about products sold as cat’s claw, an herbal supplement often taken for inflammation, after testing found some contained kratom-related compounds associated with opioid-like effects, according to an Oct. 1 NBC News report. Cat’s claw…

The FDA is gathering public feedback as it considers how early-phase clinical trials of ibogaine drug products should be designed. The agency is seeking information on potential patient populations, dosing, safety monitoring and independent oversight, according to an Oct. 5…

California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 903, a measure that would have barred AI algorithms from offering or advertising therapy in the state. According to an Oct. 1 news release from state Sen. Steve Padilla, the bill would have:…

For patients in behavioral health treatment, some of the most vulnerable moments come when care moves from one setting to the next. Michael McClam, MD, has seen those handoffs from nearly every angle, having held leadership roles across inpatient, residential,…

HHS will provide $96 million over four years to eight communities through its new Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-based Treatment and Support program. The funding will help communities build coordinated systems of care for people who are homeless and…

From large health systems to community-based centers, behavioral health providers are facing adversity with pending regulatory actions, looming funding changes and cuts to already tight reimbursement rates, leading to the closure of facilities and potential disruptions of care.  Here are…