Probiotics reduced negative mood in a new clinical trial, adding to mounting evidence that the gut-brain connection plays a crucial role in mental health.

New research suggests the zero alcohol products (ZAP) trend has reached teens. But whether these beverages drive healthier behaviors, act as a gateway to alcohol use, or both, is unknown.

A statewide program expands mental health resources to children and teenagers. The Pediatric Access Line, which launched in 2020, makes it easier for doctors to connect with mental health professionals.

In the final episode of The Killing Drugs, host Vanda Felbab-Brown speaks with Dr. Lisa Durette and Dr. Alexis Kennedy of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, about the impact of the fentanyl and opioid epidemics on young people. They explore risk factors leading to substance use disorders among the young, including developmental vulnerabilities, the social environment, and trauma and abuse. They discuss the challenges in identifying opioid use in adolescents, how to have conversations with young people about drugs, and the importance of community and family involvement in prevention. Finally, they explore treatment and other drug support services available to young people or their lack of, including in the juvenile justice system.

Whether you’re one of the nearly 58 million Americans who experience some form of mental illness each year or just want to optimize your mental well-being, you might be interested in therapy. However, you may be wondering which type of counseling would best suit your needs: a psychiatrist or therapist? When making that decision, it can be helpful to learn about how psychiatrists differ from other therapists in terms of their education and training, therapies offered and cost.

Southern Nevada officials are working to bolster mental health crisis response as the number of calls for aid continue to rise.

Whether it’s an 18-month wait to get resources for youth with developmental disabilities or a lack of investment in homeless prevention services, groups working with youth experiencing homelessness say they face substantial barriers helping vulnerable children. 

What Every Family Needs to Know About Fentanyl will examine this epidemic from a local perspective and focus on how this crisis impacts our schools, families, law enforcement and healthcare systems.