NRI, Behavioral Health Analytics

08/17/2026

A new Brookings analysis on financing behavioral health crisis services draws on NRI’s State Profiles research to examine the development and funding of crisis care across states. NRI’s data highlight both progress and ongoing challenges in building a sustainable crisis care continuum.

The authors explore how existing federal authorities can require commercial insurance coverage of behavioral health crisis services.

08/17/2026

This article examines the growing “competency crisis” in the U.S. and the debate over psychiatric bed shortages. The article highlights research from NRI, including its 2025 report showing that 90% of responding states reported psychiatric bed shortages, while also examining how rising competency-to-stand-trial referrals are shaping demand for forensic beds.

The number of people referred to state hospitals as ‘Incompetent to stand trial’ (IST) has surged over the last decade. In response, states are refurbishing or rebuilding their state hospitals— even as their own experts say this will only make the crisis worse. Why? The number of people referr...

08/14/2026

A new study has found that spending time in a forest or greenspace, especially if birds are present, has significant mental health benefits -- especially for urban residents.

Both restored forest and birdsong promote psychological well-being

08/14/2026

An intensive outpatient clinic model significantly reduced health care spending, hospital admissions, and emergency department visits among complex Medicaid patients over a 2-year period.

An intensive outpatient clinic model significantly reduced health care spending, hospital admissions, and emergency department visits among complex Medicaid patients over a 2-year period.

08/13/2026

Emerging research highlights loneliness as a driver of mental health outcomes, underscoring the need for targeted evidence-based interventions https://www.apa.org/research-practice/emerging-evidence-practitioners/addressing-loneliness

08/13/2026

Embedding behavioral health professionals in a 911 call center provides important public health and public safety benefits, mainly by reducing the likelihood of involuntary detentions and arrests, as well as officers’ average length of time on scene

Objective:The authors assessed the impact of a program in Austin that embedded behavioral health clinicians in a 911 call center.Methods:An observational study design consisting of a treatment and a comparison group was used to estimate the impact of the ...

08/12/2026

While still in its early stages, legislation to conduct a study of mental health treatment in Pennsylvania's county jails has been proposed in Harrisburg with bipartisan support

(The Center Square) - While still in its early stages, legislation to conduct a study of mental health treatment in Pennsylvania's county jails has been proposed in Harrisburg with bipartisan

08/12/2026

A pair of new mental health facilities coming to Mat-Su, Alaska in the next two years could have a dramatic impact on youth mental health support, giving clinicians a way to help more people in need of services while avoiding sending them to Anchorage or out of state for treatment.

The new facilities will offer in-patient mental health care and transitonal beds for youth.

08/11/2026

988 received 23.3 million contacts since its launch in July 2022, including 15.8 million calls, 4.2 million texts, and 3.4 million chats

Data as of March 2026 show that demand for 988 continues to rise, with the volume of calls, texts, and chats 15% higher than a year earlier and nearly 50% higher than two years ago. States are also answering more calls in-state, where counselors are more likely to be familiar with local resources.

08/11/2026

NRI’s Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations Profiles report highlights key findings related to adult competency to stand trial evaluations (CST) based on responses from 40 states to NRI’s Forensics Mental Health Services Component of State Profiles in the Spring of 2025.

NRI offers the highest quality, unbiased relevant data & research for stakeholders of behavioral health services that can improve mental health & wellness.