mental health

Lawmakers are considering stronger regulations on artificial intelligence companion chatbots amid growing concern over their impact on young peoples’ mental health.

The Trump administration on Tuesday said it was cutting funding for programs focused on mental health and drug prevention, but reversed that decision shortly afterward.

After months of meetings, the King County Council has approved spending more than $41 million to purchase the Polyclinic building and turn it into a walk-in mental health crisis center.

The Native & Strong Lifeline has operated since 2022 and began offering new text and chat services Aug. 25 to help prevent suicide.

One problem identified is that many people are released without a supply of medication they were given while in jail.

A citizen initiative enacted last year lets parents review textbooks and curriculum, and also lets parents access school mental health records. That's raised privacy concerns.

“I really want to start an epidemic of listening, but not shallow listening — really listening to what people are saying,” Kay Keeler, 88, said.

Integrating the arts, particularly music, into holistic health care continues to gain momentum in Washington state. Music therapy has found a foothold in Seattle, a hub for both medical care and music.

Chief Seattle Club has built hundreds of affordable and supportive housing units, but some say residents need more mental health and substance abuse treatment.

HearMeWa is a helpline designed to connect youth to services that can help them navigate crises using a more holistic approach than other traditional methods.