Mental Health Matters

The newsletter of the ISBA’s Mental Health Law Section

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2024 Articles

$27.5 Million in Funding Opportunities Enhance Women’s Behavioral Health September 2024  A look at new funding for improving women’s behavioral health.
$46.8 Million in Behavioral Health Funding Opportunities to Advance Unity Agenda as Part of Mental Health Awareness Month May 2024 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced $46.8 million in notices of funding opportunities to promote youth mental health, grow the behavioral health workforce, improve access to culturally competent behavioral care across the country, and strengthen peer recovery and recovery support.
Editor’s Note By Sandra M. Blake May 2024 A note from the editor about Mental Health Awareness Month.
Effectuating the Illinois Mental Health Task Force Action Plan September 2024 The Illinois Supreme Court's Special Advisory Committee for Justice and Mental Health Planning reinforces the National Center for State Courts' mantra: Lead, Examine, Educate, Advocate through notable 2024 activities. 
European Congress Showcases Innovative Mental Health Treatments March 2024 A summary two mental health treatments that captured the attention of medical reporters following the 2023 European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress.
How to Properly Issue Subpoenas for Mental Health Records and Depositions By Scott D. Hammer & Courtney L. Wood April 2024 When issuing subpoenas for mental health records and depositions of mental health professionals, attorneys must strictly follow the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act.
Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force Announces Recommendations and Best Practices for Safe Internet Use September 2024 The Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force announces recommendations and best practices for safer social media and online platform use for youth as contained in its newly-released report.
Legislature Revises the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act By Joseph T. Monahan April 2024 Beginning January 1, 2024, an amendment to section 4 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act came into effect regarding persons entitled to inspect and copy a recipient's record.
Mental Health – The Key to the Kingdom By Robert E. Wells, Jr. May 2024 Mental health plays a large role in our everyday lives and, although often underfunded, various federal and state programs are intended promote increased awareness of and access to mental health services.
Navigating a New (and Confusing) Law for Access to Mental Health Records By Matthew R. Davison April 2024 Of all the new laws that went into effect on January 1, 2024, the one to cause confusion and concern regarding access to records of mental health recipients is the amended Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act.
Recent Significant Mental Health Legislation By Mark J. Heyrman September 2024 Introducing the 988 system.
SAMHSA Announces Art of Recovery Project May 2024 On May 7, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is launching the 2024 Art of Recovery project, an initiative that highlights the impact of art on mental health and substance abuse recovery.
Top 10 Things Guardians and Their Attorneys Should Know About Mental Health Law By Mark B. Epstein March 2024 Summaries of the top 10 things attorneys ought to know about mental health law.