Bradley Stein
@bradleydstein.bsky.social
Child psychiatrist/ health services/policy researcher at RAND, studying improving access, treatment, and outcomes for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. Often found at youth soccer games and finding recipes to try in my smoker
Want to know more? Find details and recommendations from our NIMH supported research with colleagues from
@rand.org @harvardmed.bsky.social @deptpopmed.bsky.social @bostonchildrens.bsky.social @brownpublichealth.bsky.social here: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
@rand.org @harvardmed.bsky.social @deptpopmed.bsky.social @bostonchildrens.bsky.social @brownpublichealth.bsky.social here: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Use of Generative AI for Mental Health Advice Among Adolescents and Young Adults
This cross-sectional study surveyed US adolescents and young adults on their use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) for mental health advice, including frequency and perceived helpfulness.
jamanetwork.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Want to know more? Find details and recommendations from our NIMH supported research with colleagues from
@rand.org @harvardmed.bsky.social @deptpopmed.bsky.social @bostonchildrens.bsky.social @brownpublichealth.bsky.social here: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
@rand.org @harvardmed.bsky.social @deptpopmed.bsky.social @bostonchildrens.bsky.social @brownpublichealth.bsky.social here: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Our research spotlights both promise and pitfalls. Parents, clinicians, and tech companies must work together to ensure AI support is trustworthy, safe, and effective
November 11, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Our research spotlights both promise and pitfalls. Parents, clinicians, and tech companies must work together to ensure AI support is trustworthy, safe, and effective
But there are risks: Without oversight, chatbots may give advice that isn’t always safe, accurate, or appropriate—especially for those with serious needs
November 11, 2025 at 2:43 PM
But there are risks: Without oversight, chatbots may give advice that isn’t always safe, accurate, or appropriate—especially for those with serious needs
The upside? AI tools are accessible and may help fill support gaps when traditional mental health care isn’t available
November 11, 2025 at 2:43 PM
The upside? AI tools are accessible and may help fill support gaps when traditional mental health care isn’t available
Most who turn to AI for help do so regularly- monthly or more. For millions of young people, chatbots are now likely part of coping and support routines
November 11, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Most who turn to AI for help do so regularly- monthly or more. For millions of young people, chatbots are now likely part of coping and support routines
The vast majority of users find this advice useful. But this varies by groups. Black respondents reported benefits less often than their White peers
November 11, 2025 at 2:43 PM
The vast majority of users find this advice useful. But this varies by groups. Black respondents reported benefits less often than their White peers
13.1%—about 1 in 8—of US youths have asked an AI chatbot for advice during tough times. Among 18–21-year-olds, this rises to more than 1 in 5.
November 11, 2025 at 2:43 PM
13.1%—about 1 in 8—of US youths have asked an AI chatbot for advice during tough times. Among 18–21-year-olds, this rises to more than 1 in 5.
New research alert: How are teens and young adults really using AI? Our national survey led by Ryan McBain in @jamanetworkopen.com helps offer a clear, data-driven answer.
November 11, 2025 at 2:43 PM
New research alert: How are teens and young adults really using AI? Our national survey led by Ryan McBain in @jamanetworkopen.com helps offer a clear, data-driven answer.
Really important research about a school mental health intervention. Studies without significant findings often have a hard time getting published, but its just as important to know what interventions don't seem to have a significant benefit as knowing what interventions do.
New paper from my group, led by Carolina Guzman Holst
This is a secondary analysis of data from the high-quality MYRIAD trial, a universal school-based mindfulness intervention
Summary below (🧵)
acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
This is a secondary analysis of data from the high-quality MYRIAD trial, a universal school-based mindfulness intervention
Summary below (🧵)
acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
October 15, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Really important research about a school mental health intervention. Studies without significant findings often have a hard time getting published, but its just as important to know what interventions don't seem to have a significant benefit as knowing what interventions do.
Read the full NIMH supported study with my @rand.org colleagues Amy Mahler and Rosanna Smart here: www.jaacap.org/article/S089...
Teachers’ Reports of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Medication Changes During Stimulant Shortages: National Survey Results
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a common childhood-onset disorder,
is associated with impulsivity, impaired attention and executive function, and poor
academic performance.1 Stimulant...
www.jaacap.org
October 13, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Read the full NIMH supported study with my @rand.org colleagues Amy Mahler and Rosanna Smart here: www.jaacap.org/article/S089...
Pediatricians, child psychiatrists and educators need to work together to help families find solutions—like pharmacy navigation and behavioral supports—so kids don’t fall behind during medication shortages
October 13, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Pediatricians, child psychiatrists and educators need to work together to help families find solutions—like pharmacy navigation and behavioral supports—so kids don’t fall behind during medication shortages
These differences mean the shortage could deepen existing gaps in academic achievement and behavioral health for children already facing challenges and barriers to care
October 13, 2025 at 12:36 PM
These differences mean the shortage could deepen existing gaps in academic achievement and behavioral health for children already facing challenges and barriers to care
Teachers in these schools were significantly more likely to report students having to stop their medication—over 77% in majority-minority schools and 76% in schools with mostly low-income students.
October 13, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Teachers in these schools were significantly more likely to report students having to stop their medication—over 77% in majority-minority schools and 76% in schools with mostly low-income students.
New research alert: The nationwide stimulant shortage didn’t affect all schools equally. Our new national study in JAACAP found much higher rates of ADHD medication interruption in schools where most students are from racial/ethnic minorities or low-income backgrounds.
October 13, 2025 at 12:36 PM
New research alert: The nationwide stimulant shortage didn’t affect all schools equally. Our new national study in JAACAP found much higher rates of ADHD medication interruption in schools where most students are from racial/ethnic minorities or low-income backgrounds.
Reposted by Bradley Stein
The number of people initiating and continuing medication treatment for opioid use disorder declined in the six months after Medicaid unwinding began.
New study: https://bit.ly/42vlomV
New study: https://bit.ly/42vlomV
Medicaid Unwinding Associated with Less Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
The end of pandemic-era enrollment enhancements for Medicaid was associated with a rise in the number of people ending medication treatment for opioid use disorder, as well as a decrease in the number...
www.rand.org
October 11, 2025 at 4:34 PM
The number of people initiating and continuing medication treatment for opioid use disorder declined in the six months after Medicaid unwinding began.
New study: https://bit.ly/42vlomV
New study: https://bit.ly/42vlomV
Read the full NIMH supported study here with co-authors Skyler Hulser and Brendan Saloner from @brownpublichealth.bsky.social : www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10....
Health Affairs Journal
www.healthaffairs.org
October 8, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Read the full NIMH supported study here with co-authors Skyler Hulser and Brendan Saloner from @brownpublichealth.bsky.social : www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10....
These treatment settings all matter for recovery, meaning broader Medicaid access offered more pathways for people with SUD to get help when needed most, critical when the overdose crisis was intensifying
October 8, 2025 at 7:57 PM
These treatment settings all matter for recovery, meaning broader Medicaid access offered more pathways for people with SUD to get help when needed most, critical when the overdose crisis was intensifying
Even 6+ years later, treatment rates remained higher than pre-expansion, showing sustained improvements—not just a one-time bump.
October 8, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Even 6+ years later, treatment rates remained higher than pre-expansion, showing sustained improvements—not just a one-time bump.
Treatment episodes for SUD surged across the board in the first 2-3 years after expansion: overall rates up 39–40% after 2–5 years, with strong gains across the board, in residential, intensive outpatient, and non-intensive outpatient care.
October 8, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Treatment episodes for SUD surged across the board in the first 2-3 years after expansion: overall rates up 39–40% after 2–5 years, with strong gains across the board, in residential, intensive outpatient, and non-intensive outpatient care.
New research led by @jcmecon.bsky.social of @georgemasonu.bsky.social in @healthaffairs.bsky.social finds Medicaid expansion has yielded lasting gains in access to specialty substance use disorder (SUD) treatment—benefiting thousands experiencing drug or alcohol problems.
October 8, 2025 at 7:57 PM
New research led by @jcmecon.bsky.social of @georgemasonu.bsky.social in @healthaffairs.bsky.social finds Medicaid expansion has yielded lasting gains in access to specialty substance use disorder (SUD) treatment—benefiting thousands experiencing drug or alcohol problems.
See the full paper with co-authors Jon Cantor, Ryan McBain, Aaron Kofner, Fang Zhang, Alyssa Burnett, Josh Breslau. Melissa Kilberti, Ateev Mehrota from @brownpublichealth.bsky.social and Hao Yu from @deptpopmed.bsky.social here: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Cell Phone Bans in a National Sample of US Public School Principals
This cross-sectional study reports the national prevalence of public-school cell phone bans and how they vary by school characteristics.
jamanetwork.com
October 7, 2025 at 1:10 AM
See the full paper with co-authors Jon Cantor, Ryan McBain, Aaron Kofner, Fang Zhang, Alyssa Burnett, Josh Breslau. Melissa Kilberti, Ateev Mehrota from @brownpublichealth.bsky.social and Hao Yu from @deptpopmed.bsky.social here: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Thanks to the NIMH for funding this work and shout-out to all the school leaders who responded to the @rand.org American School Leader Panel!
October 7, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Thanks to the NIMH for funding this work and shout-out to all the school leaders who responded to the @rand.org American School Leader Panel!
Policymakers and school boards: are you considering neighborhood context when crafting phone policies? Open dialogue with parents, teachers, and students is key to making effective rules
October 7, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Policymakers and school boards: are you considering neighborhood context when crafting phone policies? Open dialogue with parents, teachers, and students is key to making effective rules
These differences raise important questions on equity and the impacts for different student populations— teens using phones more freely at school could see impacts on learning and mental health. Middle and high school principals face tough choices balancing safety, independence, and distractions.
October 7, 2025 at 1:10 AM
These differences raise important questions on equity and the impacts for different student populations— teens using phones more freely at school could see impacts on learning and mental health. Middle and high school principals face tough choices balancing safety, independence, and distractions.
And most elementary schools stick to strict bans: over 81% only allow phones on campus if students keep them put away all day. By high school, policies get much looser—many let students use phones outside class or at teacher discretion.
October 7, 2025 at 1:10 AM
And most elementary schools stick to strict bans: over 81% only allow phones on campus if students keep them put away all day. By high school, policies get much looser—many let students use phones outside class or at teacher discretion.