Robert Garrova
I cover mental health at a time when L.A. — and the nation — is failing people who live with a serious mental illness. The L.A. County jail system is the de-facto mental health institution for our region, and people who want help with their mental health often can’t get it, even if they can afford it. I’ll work to help Angelenos understand how we got here and what reforms aim to change things. I’ll do this through the stories of people struggling with their own mental health and those trying to get care for a loved one.
My reporting has taken me to the edge of wildfires in California, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, steps away from a robot that’s now exploring Mars, and into the homes of countless Angelenos.
I’ve had many jobs in radio. I used to help produce and direct the flagship show for Marketplace, a daily business and economic news show. I also spent a couple years in the Northeast working as a reporter. I found my love of audio journalism while interning on LAist's (formerly KPCC’s) Off-Ramp in 2013.
I was born and raised in SoCal. I’m most proud when my journalism can help raise the voices of people struggling in this beautiful region stricken by inequality.
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The campaign website includes guidance on how to know if it’s time to get professional help, how to recognize the signs of a mental health crisis, and information on resources for getting help. -
The Antelope Valley nonprofit provides “wolf-based therapy” to youth and others suffering with their mental health. On Monday it broke ground on a $2 million expansion.
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Isaias Cervantes was left paralyzed after a deputy shot him during a scuffle. Now Cervantes has been charged with assault.
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U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy says the effects of COVID-19 have been “devastating” for youth mental health. L.A. youth mental health professionals say they’re seeing depression, conflicts and some students who have forgotten how to socialize in person.
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The vote to continue funding the contract comes amid extensive debate over how best to handle security on Metro’s lines.
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Brandon Lopez’ family says he was experiencing a mental health crisis when he was shot and killed by Anaheim police in September after a standoff that included armored vehicles and a flash-bang grenade.
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Olive View-UCLA Medical Center’s new Restorative Care Village will add more than 100 beds for people who may not have a place to live and need support beyond a short hospital stay.
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The number of the county’s unarmed psychiatric response teams could roughly double under the plan, which anticipates next summer’s launch of 988, the national hotline for mental health crises.
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Getting started with a therapist was a challenge before the pandemic. Now, as the CDC reports continued heightened anxiety and depression, providers and patients are saying finding and getting started with a psychologist is as difficult as ever.
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The Board of Supervisors wants to take resources from Metro’s existing law enforcement contracts to explore unarmed alternatives with the Department of Mental Health.
