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Listen Listen
Robert Garrova
What I cover
I’m always on the hunt for esoteric history and strange haunts since my first LAist/KPCC internship over a decade ago. And I break down complicated mental health stories in a place where the L.A. County jail is the de-facto mental health institution and the system of care can feel intractable.
My background
I started at LAist as an intern back in 2013. My public media journey includes time directing Marketplace with Kai Ryssdal and being very cold as a reporter in New Hampshire.
My goals
I want my coverage to fascinate and surprise SoCal residents, even the ones who have been here the longest. And I want my mental health stories to help people living with mental illness and their families understand complicated systems of care while feeling less alone in their journey.
Best way to reach me
I would love to hear from you if you have feedback or concerns about Explore LA or mental health stories. You can reach out by email, rgarrova@laist.com
Stories by Robert Garrova
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The supervisors passed a motion that calls on the L.A. County Youth Commission to convene a special youth mental health panel.
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The LAPD released body-worn camera footage of police fatally shooting Margarito López. It appears to be the latest example of a bad outcome resulting from law enforcement involvement in a mental health crisis.
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The sites will focus on the needs of those ages 12-25, as experts say those are the years when initial mental health concerns often arise.
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It’s no surprise that, by several measures, mental health providers are in high demand. But some budding therapists ready to enter the field say state licensing delays are holding them back from providing care.
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Isaias Cervantes was left paralyzed after a deputy shot him during a scuffle. Criminal charges against Cervantes, including assault, have been dropped.
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Anosognosia makes patients “absolutely unaware” of how sick they are and can lead to tragic outcomes.
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In October, LAPD Chief Michel Moore said one-third of people shot by officers up to that point in 2021 were perceived to have a mental illness, up from roughly one-fifth last year.
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Be realistic with your expectations. Express gratitude to yourself and others. Make new traditions while remembering those lost.
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Two people who attended the Once Upon A Time In LA concert at Exposition Park said security guards were handing out wristbands without requiring people to show proof of vaccination or a negative test.
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For many undocumented people in Southern California, the stressors of the pandemic have been an added layer of anxiety on top of an already deeply uncertain world. Surveys reveal a level of distress one mental health expert called “striking” and “heartbreaking.”
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Instead of using the police, the city wants to send out two-person teams made up of a mental health and medical professional to non-violent psychiatric crisis calls in hopes of avoiding arrests, trauma and violence.
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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.
