In a pivotal meeting on June 30, 2025, the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery addressed critical issues surrounding mental health diagnoses, particularly focusing on PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections). The discussions highlighted the urgent need for increased awareness and training among state agencies to better identify and treat these conditions, which have been frequently overlooked.

Sheila Gouch, a licensed social worker and principal at Dearborn Academy, shared her personal experience with PANS and PANDAS, revealing how her children, initially misdiagnosed with treatment-resistant mental illness, experienced significant recovery after receiving appropriate treatment. Gouch emphasized the importance of ruling out medical causes for mental health symptoms, advocating for comprehensive training for social workers and mental health professionals to recognize these conditions. She noted that many children in the state are suffering unnecessarily due to a lack of awareness and proper screening.

The committee discussed the implications of this oversight, particularly for children in state care and those facing severe mental health challenges. Gouch pointed out that many students who had previously faced multiple psychiatric hospitalizations have now found healing after being screened for PANS and PANDAS. She urged state agencies, including the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Education, to mandate training on these conditions to prevent further tragedies.

The meeting underscored a collective commitment to addressing the gaps in mental health care and ensuring that children receive the support they need. As the committee moves forward, the focus will be on implementing training programs and raising awareness about PANS and PANDAS, aiming to transform the narrative around treatment resistance and mental health stigma. The discussions signal a significant step towards improving mental health outcomes for vulnerable populations in Massachusetts, with the potential to save lives and enhance the quality of care for children across the state.