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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
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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.
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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.
