Mental and Behavioral Health Roundup
Sept. 2, 2026
New PAL Guides Available Now
The Partnership Access Line (PAL) is a state-funded program providing mental health consultation for questions such as diagnostic clarification, medication adjustment and treatment planning. PAL recently released its 2027 versions of the “Seattle Children’s Primary Care Principles for Child Mental Health” care guide. State-specific versions of the guide are available here:
Prevent Suicide: Help Parents and Caregivers Learn to 'Ask the Question'
September is Suicide Prevention Month. When counseling families, consider sharing Prevent Suicide: Ask the Question, a resource (also available in Spanish) designed to help parents and caregivers identify warning signs, initiate crucial conversations about suicide and safely manage lethal means (such as removing or locking up medications and firearms). The article:
- Reassures parents that asking about suicide does not plant the idea or increase risk.
- Provides practical conversation scripts and support resources.
- Offers guidance on home safety related to lethal means.