Sarasota County mental health team intervenes before the need for 911

In Sarasota County, law enforcement agencies are forming a behavioral health response team to help deputies and officers respond safely to emergencies that may involve a mental health crisis.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces $23 million for Florida's mental health programs

Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state will allocate more than $23 million to help Floridians battling mental health issues due to the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Help is available to everyone, chief says after man's suicide along Tampa bridge

Wednesday afternoon, police responded to the Rowlett Park bridge after a call about a man on fire and hanging there. Officers and firefighters lowered him to the river and tried to save him, but he was pronounced dead at Tampa General Hospital.

Hospitals report rise in children needing emergency mental health treatment

Since March, there has been a significant uptick in the number of school-aged kids going to the emergency room since the beginning of the pandemic. New research shows the trips are not for minor mishaps at home, but for things like anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

Stress and anxiety from COVID-19 is not taking a break for the holidays

Thanksgiving is days away, and for many people it will not be filled with the usual traditions and familiar faces packed around the dinner table. Experts say in increase in mental health issues are expected this year.

Mental health professionals offer advice on healing after the election

If you’re feeling down, you’re not alone. A good part of the country is going to be disappointed, maybe even angry, no matter how the presidential race ends.

Bay Area law enforcement shift strategies for dealing with mental health

Law enforcement agencies are taking a hard look at how they police the community, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced a new behavioral health program, joining Tampa and St. Petersburg police departments in changing how they respond to mental health-related calls.

Cow-hugging is the new animal therapy trend we all need

While therapy animals are not a new concept, hugging cows in the name of wellness is gaining popularity not just in its origin country, but in the U.S. as well.

Military suicides up as much as 20% amid COVID-19 pandemic

Military suicides have increased by as much as 20% this year compared to the same period in 2019, and some incidents of violent behavior have spiked.

Pinellas County sheriff adding six crisis specialists to address mental health situations

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri says trying to turn police officers into mental health professionals is like trying to jam a round ball through a square hole.

Police departments slow to address need for mental health support in law enforcement

Critical decisions can be the difference between life and death during a mental health emergency, and police officers often end up responding to those calls.

Overdose awareness more important than ever as families struggle during pandemic

Ida Wyland knew Monday would be difficult, but she couldn’t be more driven to power through. The day marks International Overdose Awareness Day, and just five months ago she lost her son Jarred. 

Medical marijuana edibles approved for sale, with limitations on shapes, colors

Animal crackers and gummy bears are off the table, but Florida medical marijuana operators finally will be allowed to manufacture and sell THC-infused cookies, cakes and candies, after state health officials released a rule outlining edible marijuana products.

Healing while Black: Virtual summit aims to address mental well-being for people of color

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month - a time when the spotlight focuses on historically underserved groups. Bay Area counselors told FOX 13 talking about mental health is crucial to healing.

FCC to vote in July to make '988' the suicide hotline number

Federal regulators will vote in July on whether to make “988” the number to reach a suicide prevention hotline.