# behavioral health (news sources) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 3 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover behavioral health. Page: Feed: --- ## [Cigna named in addiction treatment providers’ lawsuit claiming $12.8M underpayment](https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-addiction-treatment/cigna-named-in-addiction-treatment-providers-lawsuit-claiming-12-8m-in-underpayment/) _2026-08-21 · Elizabeth Casolo · Becker’s Behavioral Health_ Ten California addiction providers filed a lawsuit against Cigna on Aug. 19, claiming the insurer shortchanged them by $12.8 million. The lawsuit spans March 1, 2022, through March 15, 2026. Before 2015, Cigna would pay billed charges in full or at a “reasonable and customary” rate but eventually changed that policy, according to the complaint, \[…\] The post Cigna named in addiction treatment… ## [San Diego County moves forward with $240M behavioral health campus](https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-news/san-diego-county-moves-forward-with-240m-behavioral-health-campus/) _2026-08-21 · Ella Ruder · Becker’s Behavioral Health_ San Diego County is advancing plans for a $240 million behavioral health campus, according to an Aug. 20 report from KUSI News. The approximately 120,000-square-foot campus will provide crisis care, mental health treatment, addiction services and recovery support. The county estimates it will serve more than 22,000 residents each year. The county secured $99.5 million \[…\] The post San Diego County… ## [FDA clears transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for PTSD](https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-news/fda-clears-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-treatment-for-ptsd/) _2026-08-21 · Ella Ruder · Becker’s Behavioral Health_ The FDA cleared Wave Neuroscience’s MeRT System — a transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, system — as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a June 3 letter. The agency determined the device was substantially equivalent to the MagVenture TMS Therapy System. The MeRT System uses the MRT-005 \[…\] The post FDA clears transcranial magnetic… ## [Mental Health Cooperative brings back former leader as CEO](https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/hospital-executive-moves/mental-health-cooperative-brings-back-former-leader-as-ceo/) _2026-08-21 · Ella Ruder · Becker’s Behavioral Health_ Nashville, Tenn.-based Mental Health Cooperative named Andrea Westerfield CEO, effective Sept. 8. Ms. Westerfield will return to the organization after previously serving in senior leadership roles there, including as COO, according to an Aug. 21 news release shared with Becker’s. She began her career at Mental Health Cooperative as a care manager and spent over \[…\] The post Mental Health… ## [Millions turn to AI chatbots for mental health advice. Talkspace built a ‘safe alternative’](https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/ai-2/millions-turn-to-ai-chatbots-for-mental-health-advice-talkspace-built-a-safe-alternative/) _2026-08-21 · Ella Ruder · Becker’s Behavioral Health_ Talkspace is using AI across its clinical workflow and patient-facing services, including through Tee, its AI-powered mental health guide, according to an Aug. 18 CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce report. The digital mental health platform provides access to online therapy and psychiatry services for approximately 220 million Americans through insurance plans, including Medicare. \[…\] The post… ## [53 behavioral health executive moves to know](https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-executive-moves/3-behavioral-health-executive-moves-to-know/) _2026-08-20 · Ella Ruder · Becker’s Behavioral Health_ As the push to integrate behavioral health into primary and specialty care gains momentum, a number of health systems are appointing new leaders to oversee this transformation. These executives are tasked with aligning behavioral health strategies across clinical settings, building out service lines and ensuring consistent care delivery. Here are 53 executive moves to know: \[…\] The post 53… ## [Rx Kids expansion to 60 Michigan communities is balancing family budgets and birthing healthier babies](https://secondwavemedia.com/rx-kids-expansion-to-60-michigan-communities-is-balancing-family-budgets-and-birthing-healthier-babies/) _2026-08-20 · Brianna Nargiso · Second Wave_ The Michigan program is the largest unconditional cash transfer program for expectant parents in the country. ## [The ‘biggest risk’ facing outpatient behavioral healthcare, per UHS’ CEO](https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health/the-biggest-risk-facing-outpatient-behavioral-healthcare-per-uhs-ceo/) _2026-08-20 · Ella Ruder · Becker’s Behavioral Health_ King of Prussia, Pa.-based Universal Health Services has moved to expand its behavioral health continuum, including its acquisition of virtual therapy and psychiatry platform Talkspace. Marc Miller, president and CEO of UHS, told Becker’s about what is driving the surge in behavioral health demand, how UHS is adapting its outpatient strategy, and the risks health \[…\] The post The ‘biggest risk’… ## [North Dakota health system expands mental healthcare for older adults](https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-news/north-dakota-health-system-expands-mental-healthcare-for-older-adults/) _2026-08-20 · Ella Ruder · Becker’s Behavioral Health_ Bismarck, N.D.-based CHI St. Alexius Health collaborated with Senior Life Solutions to bring outpatient mental health services to older adults at the system’s Williston location. The Senior Life Solutions program provides group and individual therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication management for individuals typically 65 and older who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or… ## [New York plans $300M replacement for psychiatric hospital once slated to close](https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-capital-investment/new-york-builds-300m-replacement-for-psychiatric-hospital-once-slated-to-close/) _2026-08-20 · Ella Ruder · Becker’s Behavioral Health_ New York is constructing a roughly 340,000-square-foot replacement hospital at New Hampton-based Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center in an investment topping $300 million, News12 reported Aug. 19. The hospital is being built on the existing Mid-Hudson campus and is expected to house hundreds of forensic psychiatric patients. The project is expected to be completed in 2028. \[…\] The post New York… ## [Crush Every Threat in Real Time (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/Kk1lbSR6S9WU) _2026-08-20 · **Sponsored**_ One agent for real-time detection, exposure tracking, and active defense. ## [Northwell hospital names psychiatry chair](https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/hospital-executive-moves/northwell-hospital-names-psychiatry-chair/) _2026-08-20 · Ella Ruder · Becker’s Behavioral Health_ Northwell’s Northern Westchester Hospital, based in Mount Kisco, N.Y., named Jason Andrus, MD, as chair of psychiatry. Dr. Andrus will oversee inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services, focusing on clinical quality, programmatic growth and an academic environment dedicated to evidence-based practices, according to an Aug. 18 news release from the health system. Most recently, Dr. Andrus \[…\]… ## [UPMC Children’s Hospital invests $10M to expand behavioral health services](https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-capital-investment/upmc-childrens-hospital-invests-10m-to-expand-behavioral-health-services/) _2026-08-20 · Ella Ruder · Becker’s Behavioral Health_ UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh has plans for a $10 million expansion of pediatric behavioral health and subspecialty services at its Children’s South campus, NPR affiliate WESA reported Aug. 20. The expansion will add services to a previously unused fourth floor of the building, with the renovation expected to finish by mid-2027. Plans include nine \[…\] The post UPMC Children’s Hospital… ## [Arizona provider opens its 1st primary care clinic for patients with autism](https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-news/arizona-provider-opens-1st-primary-care-clinic-for-patients-with-autism/) _2026-08-20 · Ella Ruder · Becker’s Behavioral Health_ Phoenix-based Arizona Autism Family Medicine: A Valle del Sol Clinic opened a primary care clinic to serve children and young adults across the autism spectrum, according to an Aug. 18 report from KTAR News. The clinic is on Arizona Autism Charter Schools’ (AZACS) Phoenix campus and is a partnership between AZACS and Phoenix-based Mercy Care. \[…\] The post Arizona provider opens its 1st primary… ## [Best of NSBC 2026](https://www.santamariasun.com/special-issues-2/best-of-nsbc-2026-2/) _2026-08-20 · Sun Staff · Santa Maria Sun_ The tribe—that’s you, dear readers—has made its final decision about the businesses, organizations, and people who make the community shine. Only those who have outserved, outshone, and outsmarted the rest to become the best are included in this issue. As part of the season 26 finale, take a gander at the sole survivors of our \[…\] The post Best of NSBC 2026 appeared first on Santa Maria Sun . ## [Sheriff’s Office pins timecard arrests to increased oversight](https://www.santamariasun.com/news-2/sheriffs-office-pins-timecard-arrests-to-increased-oversight/) _2026-08-20 · Caleb Wiseblood · Santa Maria Sun_ Arrested in early August, Jeffrey Koeller is the second Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office employee to face embezzlement charges this year. Both Koeller and Segun Ogunleye—arrested in late January—worked for the Sheriff’s Office as custody sergeants, and were charged for fraudulently claiming and receiving earnings of $93,000 and $175,000, respectively, for hours they did not \[…\] The post… ## [AI to assist Santa Maria Police with nonemergency calls](https://www.santamariasun.com/news-2/ai-to-assist-santa-maria-police-with-nonemergency-calls/) _2026-08-20 · Madison White · Santa Maria Sun_ It doesn’t get sick. It never gets tired. It won’t go on vacation. It’s artificial intelligence. Hyper, an AI responder, will soon start its residency at the Santa Maria Police Department to answer incoming calls on the nonemergency phone line, (805) 928-3781. For a three-year service period, the city will pay around $305,000. At the \[…\] The post AI to assist Santa Maria Police with nonemergency… ## [County paves the way for asphalt refinery’s reboot](https://www.santamariasun.com/news-2/county-paves-the-way-for-asphalt-refinerys-reboot/) _2026-08-20 · Caleb Wiseblood · Santa Maria Sun_ Defunct for more than five years, an idle asphalt refinery is on track for revival thanks to a recent Santa Barbara County permit transfer. On Aug. 12, the county Planning Commission greenlit a change of owner, operator, and guarantor on a permit to process crude oil into asphalt at a Santa Maria Valley-based 1930s-built refinery \[…\] The post County paves the way for asphalt refinery’s reboot… ## [Political Watch: August 20, 2026](https://www.santamariasun.com/news-2/political-watch-august-20-2026/) _2026-08-20 · Caleb Wiseblood · Santa Maria Sun_ • State Sen. John Laird’s (D-Santa Cruz) Senate Bill 917 passed the California Legislature on Aug. 13. Laird designed the measure to expand opportunities for small wineries seeking to sell wine and offer tastings at certified farmers markets. The bill advanced to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his consideration. Sponsored by the Family Winemakers of California \[…\] The post Political Watch: August 20, 2026… ## [For more than 50 years, the Central Coast Corvette Club has stirred up good times](https://www.santamariasun.com/news-2/for-more-than-50-years-the-central-coast-corvette-club-has-stirred-up-good-times/) _2026-08-20 · Madison White · Santa Maria Sun_ When Donna W. moved to California from Indiana, her first thought before even contemplating purchasing a home was, “Can we buy a Corvette?” The Indiana weather hadn’t been suited for convertibles, but things were different in the Golden State. Donna—who insisted on being identified by her last initial—discovered the Chevrolet sports cars from a TV \[…\] The post For more than 50 years, the Central… ## [Santa Maria special](https://www.santamariasun.com/opinion/santa-maria-special/) _2026-08-20 · The Canary · Santa Maria Sun_ Santa Barbara County gave unanimous approval for an oil-related thing. I know. Pick those jaws up off the ground! It was fairly routine—the county Planning Commission gave the go-ahead for an ownership transfer of an asphalt refinery near Santa Maria. But the last time an ownership transfer came before the county, it was denied! (Yes, \[…\] The post Santa Maria special appeared first on Santa Maria… ## [International money transfers (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/0yPvq2938xIz) _2026-08-20 · **Sponsored**_ Send money to other countries and manage multi‑currency balances online. ## [The Lompoc Valley Needs Assessment report was not a reliable indicator of the city’s health](https://www.santamariasun.com/opinion/the-lompoc-valley-needs-assessment-report-was-not-a-reliable-indicator-of-the-citys-health/) _2026-08-20 · Taylor Saugstad and Ron Fink · Santa Maria Sun_ The Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization recently commissioned a report, the Community Health Needs Assessment, to assess the “health and well-being of Lompoc residents through four focus areas: financial stability and affordability, chronic illnesses, behavioral health, and healthy lifestyles.” Did the “organization representatives” have a hidden agenda? And were reports of chronic… ## [Why are we tipping more?](https://www.santamariasun.com/opinion/why-are-we-tipping-more/) _2026-08-20 · By Rusty Evans, Los Osos · Santa Maria Sun_ What happened to the good old days when a restaurant employee who served you promptly and accurately was happy to get a 10 percent tip? I’m not sure those days were any better, but I am sure it is not the fault of the minimum-wage worker in front of you who is offering a tip \[…\] The post Why are we tipping more? appeared first on Santa Maria Sun . ## [Slash our addiction to plastic](https://www.santamariasun.com/opinion/slash-our-addiction-to-plastic/) _2026-08-20 · By Don Maruska, Los Osos · Santa Maria Sun_ If you’re not concerned about plastics, you should be. Plastic doesn’t return harmlessly to nature. It breaks into ever smaller microplastics and nanoplastics that now appear in our food, water, air, blood, and even human brain tissue. In one major study, people whose carotid-artery plaque contained plastic particles were more likely to suffer a heart \[…\] The post Slash our addiction to plastic… ## [River’s Edge Apartments expected to help relieve demand for housing](https://secondwavemedia.com/rivers-edge-apartments-expected-to-help-relieve-demand-for-housing/) _2026-08-19 · Mark Wedel · Second Wave_ This is one of the largest projects to date that Kalamazoo County has contributed to. ## [Trump touts 1994 ibogaine application as next step in psychedelic push](https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/interventional-psychiatry/university-of-miami-hands-over-ibogaine-application-to-us/) _2026-08-19 · Ella Ruder · Becker’s Behavioral Health_ President Donald Trump said the University of Miami has given the federal government its original 1994 ibogaine Investigational New Drug application. The application will give “everyone direct access to the foundational FDA authorization to accelerate its development as a medical treatment in the U.S.,” according to an Aug. 18 post on Truth Social. The drug \[…\] The post Trump touts 1994 ibogaine… ## [Mental Health millage means help for more people — and a healthier community](https://secondwavemedia.com/mental-health-millage-means-help-for-more-people-and-a-healthier-community/) _2026-08-19 · Lee Van Roth · Second Wave_ In Washtenaw County, adults served by community mental health increased 147%, and youths served 104%. ## [25 new behavioral health projects to know](https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-capital-investment/7-behavioral-health-projects-representing-nearly-1b-in-investment/) _2026-08-19 · Ella Ruder · Becker’s Behavioral Health_ From a 292-bed state-funded psychiatric hospital in Texas to New Mexico’s only children’s emergency psychiatric unit, hospitals and health systems are expanding behavioral health access as demand continues to grow, representing more than $730 million in investment. Here are 25 behavioral health projects Becker’s has reported on in recent weeks: The post 25 new behavioral health projects to know… ## [Mass General Brigham launches nation’s 1st psychiatric Home Hospital trial](https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-news/mass-general-brigham-launches-nations-1st-psychiatric-home-hospital-trial-2/) _2026-08-19 · Naomi Diaz · Becker’s Behavioral Health_ Somerville, Mass.-based Mass General Brigham has launched the first clinical trial in the country testing a Home Hospital model for patients with primary psychiatric conditions, alongside a second trial extending Home Hospital care to patients with dementia. The pilot trial, funded by the Thompson Family Foundation, has enrolled all 20 patients in its initial phase, according to \[…\] The post Mass… ## [Kalamazoo’s first Black Pride celebrates visibility, history, and queer Black joy](https://secondwavemedia.com/kalamazoos-first-black-pride-celebrates-queer-black-joy-visibility-and-history/) _2026-08-18 · Casey Grooten · Second Wave_ Kalamazoo’s inaugural Black Pride Festival aims to uplift queer Black voices, honor LGBTQ+ history and create a joyful space for community and belonging. ## [St. Joseph County law enforcement, mental health professionals team up to divert people from jail](https://secondwavemedia.com/st-joseph-county-law-enforcement-mental-health-professionals-team-up-to-divert-people-from-jail/) _2026-08-17 · Jane Parikh · Second Wave_ In St. Joseph County, law enforcement and mental health professionals are working together to keep people from jail, connect them with treatment, and address the underlying challenges. ## [International money transfers (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/ifGC1YrRelpK) _2026-08-17 · **Sponsored**_ Send money to other countries and manage multi‑currency balances online. ## [Mental health crisis care without an ER wait](https://secondwavemedia.com/mental-health-crisis-care-without-an-er-wait/) _2026-08-17 · Jaishree Drepaul · Second Wave_ Mental health urgent cares and crisis stabilization units provide immediate access to mental health services. ## [Homeless encampment forces Kalamazoo to once again ask: What can be done?](https://secondwavemedia.com/homeless-encampment-forces-kalamazoo-to-once-again-ask-what-can-be-done/) _2026-08-15 · Al Jones · Second Wave_ Citing concerns for sanitation and safety the City took action on Thursday, ordering the removal of all the tents and for sidewalks to be cleared. ## [How public libraries instill literacy in littles](https://secondwavemedia.com/our-public-libraries-promote-literacy-at-an-early-age-to-create-readers-for-life/) _2026-08-12 · Estelle Slootmaker · Second Wave_ Libraries' children’s programming builds kindergarten readiness and a lifelong love for reading. ## [The Farm Bill, SNAP, and the childcare connection](https://secondwavemedia.com/the-farm-bill-snap-and-the-childcare-connection-2/) _2026-08-12 · Brianna Nargiso · Second Wave_ SNAP helps families meet all basic needs, including childcare. ## [Elbows up, hearts open: One Kalamazooan’s ride across a bridge built to connect](https://secondwavemedia.com/elbows-up-hearts-open-one-kalamazooans-ride-across-a-bridge-built-to-connect/) _2026-08-12 · Mark Wedel · Second Wave_ Kalamazooan Mark Wedel bikes the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, discovering history and connection as he pedals across the border from Detroit to Canada. ## [How a Kalamazoo startup is using AI to rethink the way students take tests](https://secondwavemedia.com/how-a-kalamazoo-startup-is-using-ai-to-rethink-the-way-students-take-tests/) _2026-08-11 · Al Jones · Second Wave_ A Kalamazoo startup's AI-powered platform delivers instant test feedback, helping teachers save time and personalize learning.