Majority Republicans passed a pair of measures targeting drag performances they say amount to sexual grooming, arguing that the proposals are needed to shield children from "confusing'' sexual content.

Arizona lawmakers are giving a big thumbs up to the party drug known as Ecstasy and turning on to hallucinogenic magic mushrooms, too. But don’t take this wrong – they’re not pushing the drugs for the usual recreational uses. Instead, bills that would fund a $30 million research program to study psilocybin mushrooms in treating post-traumatic stress syndrome and depression, and another to legalize the drug formally called MDMA for the same uses are advancing amid strong emerging evidence that they may be highly effective new therapies.

Mental and behavioral health conditions are also a leading cause of maternal mortality in the U.S. In Arizona, nearly half of all pregnancy-associated deaths are due to mental health or substance use issues, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Dr. Saira Kalia, a perinatal psychiatrist at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, and Dr. Kathryn Emerick, also a perinatal psychiatrist at the University of Arizona, are working to launch a statewide hotline next spring for providers who serve the perinatal population.

Arizona ranks in the top half of states for adults reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression. The number of suicides in the state increased in 2021, after leveling off the two previous years. It is an upward trend that moves us backward.  

Arizona ranks in the top half of states for adults reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, the number of suicides in the state increased in 2021, after leveling off the two previous years. It is an upward trend that moves us backward despite our efforts.

Over more than 30 years, Peoria resident Michael Burns was diagnosed with everything from ADHD to PTSD to depression, but it was not until he did his own research that he found a diagnosis that fit: Complex PTSD. 

Facing a lawsuit they appeared to be losing, state prison officials have agreed to improve health care for the more than 34,000 inmates in their custody.

A UofA researcher wants to look into how veterans' post-traumatic stress might be alleviated using medical marijuana, but a bill that would have funded the research stalled. Supporters of the research rallied at the Capitol wednesday.

Arizona is again turning down proposals to expand the state's medical marijuana program.