Tradeoffs

Hundreds of U.S. courts offer treatment over prison for some defendants with mental illness.

But critics say mental health courts have outpaced research on their effectiveness.

https://tradeoffs.org/2026/06/04/mental-health-courts-offer-people-facing-prison-an-imperfect-alternative/ less

Mental Health Courts Offer People Facing Prison an Imperfect Alternative Hundreds of U.S. courts offer treatment over prison for some defendants with mental illness. But critics say mental health courts have outpaced research on their effectiveness.

President Trump and other leading conservatives are pushing policies they hope will empower patients to shop more wisely for the health care they need.

The hope is that patients become savvier shoppers. Find the cheaper hospital for that hip replacement. Think twice about the extra generous insurance plan. But will these ideas lower spending?

“Shopping for dresses is fun,” said New York University professor Sherry Glied said. “Shopping for health insurance is not fun.”

We go much deeper on the pros, the cons and the evidence behind these ideas. Listen to the episode:

Republicans Want to Change How You Buy Health Care President Trump and other leading conservatives are pushing policies they hope will empower patients to shop more wisely for the health care they need.

President Trump and other leading conservatives are pushing policies they hope will empower patients to shop more wisely for the health care they need.

In today's episode, we break down the pros, the cons and the evidence behind these policies.

Listen:

Republicans Want to Change How You Buy Health Care President Trump and other leading conservatives are pushing policies they hope will empower patients to shop more wisely for the health care they need.

American Public Media's acclaimed mental health series, “Call to Mind,” is back with five new special reports for Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

Each episode features sound-rich stories from across the country that amplify the voices of people living with mental health challenges as they journey to live well.

Listen now: https://link.podtrac.com/KsTsulRh