Synthetic 'magic mushroom' drug may ease depression in hard-to-treat patients, study says

A single dose of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound found in “magic mushrooms,” was found to help some people who previously had gotten little relief from standard antidepressants.

Forcing a smile might put you in a better mood, research suggests

The new research, led by a scientist at Stanford, may tell us “something fundamentally important” about how human emotions work.

Seeing, listening to birds can improve mental health, study finds

In addition to helping people, scientists say they are also advocating for the protection of the environment and wildlife.

In Depth: Youth and Mental Health
video

Hal talks with local experts about the mental health of young people after a new study revealed the mental health of kids as young as 13 has taken a serious hit since the start of the pandemic. Also, hear from a teen mental health expert and advocate who runs the Wellness Department at Geffen Academy at UCLA.

Clocking in more hours at a stressful job raises risk of depression, study finds

Researchers from the University of Michigan collected data from first-year medical residents and discovered that those who worked longer hours had three times the risk for depression.

Mother of North Hollywood stabbing victim speaks out; feels no anger toward homeless attacker

Amy Watts' daughter Kyli had been living in LA for just two weeks when she was stabbed in the back of the head by a homeless man. Watts called the attack an example of how the system has failed the homeless and the mentally ill.

Families who eat meals together are often less stressed, survey finds

Overall, the respondents of the American Heart Association survey reported eating alone about half of the time due to difficulties aligning schedules.

Rising suicide rates compel military to address mental health

The Pentagon is reviewing the military's mental health policy amid a rise in suicides among active service members. But many service members in crisis won't admit they need help.

How petting dogs could improve your attention span and motivation

Researchers concluded that the brain stimulation felt by regularly petting a dog could translate to improved cognitive function down the road.

Less than a third of LAPD mental health calls are being handled by mental health professionals

LAPD Chief Michel Moore says the department is only able to handle between 20% and 25% of mental health calls with mental health response teams, saying the department lacks resources and staff.

Newsom signs bill that would provide court-ordered care for homeless with severe mental illness

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed his "CARE Act" on Wednesday, which would allow family members or first responders to request homeless people with severe mental health be put into treatment.