National studies show mental health challenges have increased because of the coronavirus pandemic -- and more so in college-age people. But, college counseling centers saw a decline in those seeking services at the same time.

The Assessment and Intervention Center, part of Marion County's new Community Justice Campus, opened one year ago. The AIC is a clinic for people with mental health or substance abuse problems, including those who may have encountered law enforcement. It was created to divert more people with those health problems away from the criminal justice system.

The Irsay family is donating $3 million to Indiana University for a new research institute on the Bloomington campus that will focus on addressing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

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.