More psychologists and social workers in schools. Early screening. Loan forgiveness for child psychiatrists serving rural areas. Fixing a strained system will take time. But COVID stimulus funds can speed up efforts across the Midwest.

Months long waitlists, out-of-pocket costs and a burgeoning mental health crisis is pushing care out of reach for some families.

Hospital ERs are being upended by a surge of children and adolescents in mental distress during COVID. Staff bring in snacks or queue up Netflix to keep them occupied as they seek beds in psychiatric centers. Private insurance can make the task harder.

A growing number of kids struggle with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. A new way of linking hospitals and schools may be the key to getting more of them help.

Reaching adulthood brings new challenges new jobs, school, relationships and that can affect a young person's mental health. But navigating the health care system to get help with that is often not easy.

In the aftermath of mass shootings, observers often point to mental health services as a solution to prevention. But accessing treatment remains out of reach for many in Indiana and nationwide, and the limitations of this kind of emergency behavioral health care are not well understood.

Even before COVID-19, the U.S. had a lot of catching up to do for children's mental health. This year, the CDC predicts the country will only meet 65 percent of the demand for child psychiatrists. And Iowa has one of the lowest rates per capita in the country.

In Indiana, lawmakers, hospital administrators and parents are raising concern over the way children on Medicaid receive mental health treatment. They say state policy creates a revolving door situation, which can be costly and dangerous.

Research shows the trauma refugees suffer before coming to the U.S., and the difficulties they face starting over in a new country, can cause anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.

A federal judge has ruled that the Illinois Department of Corrections' care for inmates with mental illness remains "grossly insufficient" and "extremely poor."