News
Listen to Me!
Host: Pastor Jay J. Rodriguez
Published: March 5, 2026
The President for the Florida chapter of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights went on the air to talk about the newest documentary produced by CCHR. Titled, Prescription for Violence: Psychiatry’s Deadly Side Effects, the documentary brings to light the link between the growing use of psychiatric drugs and the explosive rise in mass murders, shootings and suicides. Experts reveal how these drugs are the true cause behind many horrific acts of violence.
The Addiction Podcast — Point of No Return
Host: Joanie Sigal
Published: S8, E451 — January 8, 2026 (23 min)
Diane Stein reveals the evidence linking mass shootings to dangerous psychiatric drugs — a side of the story the media rarely covers. She breaks down the science and the cover-ups in a way that is easy to understand but impossible to forget.
Great Day Live Tampa
Source: wtsp.com
Published: July 29, 2025
Annual event commemorating Purple Heart Day. Attended by hundreds of veterans, active-duty military and their families, held annually to honor members of the U.S. military in observance of Purple Heart Day.
The New York Times
By: Jessica Silver-Greenberg and Katie Thomas
Published: September 1, 2024 — Consultant to the Reporters
A New York Times investigation found that Acadia Healthcare has lured patients into its facilities and held them against their will, even when detaining them was not medically necessary. In at least 12 of 19 states, patients, employees and police officers alerted authorities to unlawful detentions.
Great Day Live Tampa
Source: wtsp.com
Published: July 29, 2024
7th Annual event commemorating Purple Heart Day, honoring members of the U.S. military and veterans. First given in 1932, a Purple Heart is awarded to U.S. military personnel wounded or killed in action.
WFSU Public Media
COMMITTED: Why And How Children Are the Fastest Growing Group Under Florida’s Baker Act
Stein acted as a consultant for this award-winning 5-part investigative series on the Baker Act and was interviewed for the final segment.
“This law is being abused and parents are being left out of the process,” Stein said.
Newsweek
- Mental Health Expert: Why Are We Still Electroshocking Children? — Jan 17, 2024
- Human Rights Expert: Parents Deserve to Be Involved In Their Child’s Mental Health — Jul 19, 2023
- How To Ensure School Mental Health Initiatives Don’t Violate Parental Rights — Mar 31, 2023
- Why Everyone Should Care About Coercive Psychiatry — Jun 2, 2022
- What the Mental Health Industry Gets Wrong About Suicide Prevention — Dec 21, 2021
Newsweek — Featured Article
Published: May 8, 2024
History Lesson: The State of Mental Health in Our Schools — How Did We Get Here?
Two trends in American student life are not just threatening the mental health of our children but stripping them of the power to think critically. The 19th-century education reformer John Dewey could never have foreseen how young people today would be so profoundly influenced by technology.
FOX 4 Southwest Florida
Children in Crisis, Florida’s Baker Acted Kids
Surge in Baker Act exams for children under 10. “There’s a huge problem,” said Diane Stein. “The Baker Act kind of becomes a knee jerk solution for schools in order to handle these types of situations when they don’t know exactly what to do with the child.”
News 6 WKMG CBS
Orlando-area schools see increase in Baker Acts on students after Parkland shooting
“It is just too easy to Baker Act,” Stein said. “The simple solution is bring the parents in. The majority of parents are good people; they want to help their kids. That education point alone would go a long way to reducing the number of Baker Acts of children in the state.”
Electroshock Therapy — Protest March
The Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Florida held a demonstration in protest of electroshock therapy (ECT) and in support of a ban on its use. The President of CCHR in Florida, Diane Stein, was interviewed for the story.
WFLA News Channel 8 — December 1, 2023
Prescription for Violence: Psychiatry's Deadly Side Effects
Listen to Me! (Podcast)
Pastor Jay J. Rodriguez (Host)
March 5, 2026
Diane Stein, President of CCHR Florida, appeared on air to discuss CCHR's documentary linking psychiatric drugs to mass murders, shootings, and suicides. Experts in the film reveal how these medications may be the true cause behind many horrific acts of violence.
For More →
Diane Stein: Prescription for Violence - The Link Between Psychiatric Drugs and Mass Shootings
The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return
Joanie Sigal (Host)
January 8, 2026
Diane Stein joins the podcast to discuss the documentary Prescription for Violence, presenting evidence that links mass shootings to psychiatric drugs. She breaks down the science behind these findings and the alleged cover-ups in the pharmaceutical industry.
For More →
Purple Heart Banquet Honors Tampa Bay's Military Heroes
Great Day Live Tampa (WTSP)
wtsp.com
July 29, 2025
This segment covers the annual Purple Heart Day Banquet hosted by CCHR Florida, attended by hundreds of veterans, active-duty military, and their families. The event includes a formal presentation by the Tampa area U.S. Marine Color Guard.
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Acadia Healthcare Lured Patients and Held Them Against Their Will
The New York Times
Jessica Silver-Greenberg and Katie Thomas
September 1, 2024
A New York Times investigation found that Acadia Healthcare, one of America's largest psychiatric hospital chains, detained patients against their will even when it was not medically necessary. Reports from at least 12 states included accounts from patients, employees, and police officers alleging illegal detainment practices.
For More →
7th Annual Purple Heart Day Banquet
Great Day Live Tampa (WTSP)
wtsp.com
July 29, 2024
This segment promotes the 7th Annual Purple Heart Day Banquet honoring U.S. military personnel and veterans who received the Purple Heart Medal for service. The Purple Heart, first awarded in 1932, is presented to those wounded or killed in action.
For More →
Mental Health Expert: Why Are We Still Electroshocking Children?
Newsweek
Diane D. Stein
January 17, 2024
Diane Stein questions why electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) continues to be used on children despite growing human rights concerns. The article calls for a national ban or mandatory tracking of ECT procedures performed on minors.
For More →
History Lesson: The State of Mental Health in Our Schools - How Did We Get Here?
Newsweek
Not specified
May 8, 2024
The article examines two converging trends threatening student mental health: 19th-century progressive education philosophy still applied today and the modern influence of social media. It argues these forces undermine children's critical thinking and self-worth.
For More →
Electroshock Therapy Protest March
WFLA News Channel 8
Not specified
December 1, 2023
CCHR Florida held a demonstration protesting electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and calling for a ban on its use. Diane Stein, President of CCHR Florida, was interviewed for the story.
For More →
Human Rights Expert: Parents Deserve to Be Involved In Their Child's Mental Health
Newsweek
Diane D. Stein
July 19, 2023
Diane Stein argues that parents have a fundamental right to be informed and involved when their children receive mental health services. She emphasizes the importance of parental consent and transparency in school mental health programs.
For More →
Human Rights Expert: How To Ensure School Mental Health Initiatives Don't Violate Parental Rights
Newsweek
Diane D. Stein
March 31, 2023
Diane Stein provides recommendations for protecting parental rights in school-based mental health programs. The article addresses growing concerns about schools providing mental health services without adequate parental notification or consent.
For More →
In Florida showing mental health struggles could get a child detained
Washington Post
Donna St. George
March 16, 2023
This article examines Florida's Baker Act and how it's being used to involuntarily commit children showing mental health struggles. Diane Stein acted as consultant providing expertise on Baker Act procedures and parental rights issues.
For More →
Mental Health Expert: Debunking the Holiday Season Suicide Rates Myth
Newsweek
Diane D. Stein
December 29, 2022
Diane Stein challenges the common myth that suicide rates spike during the holiday season. The article examines actual data showing suicide rates are typically lower during holidays and discusses the origins of this persistent myth.
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From Millionaire to Murderer: Did medication lead to murder?
Palm Beach Post
Wendy Rhodes
January 20, 2022
This four-part investigative series examines the bizarre case of millionaire Neal Jacobson and explores whether psychiatric medication side effects contributed to his violent actions. Diane Stein acted as consultant providing information on psychiatric drug side effects and violence.
For More →
Psychotropic Medication and Addiction: What You Can Do
Newsweek
Diane D. Stein
November 17, 2022
Diane Stein addresses the potential for addiction and withdrawal issues with psychotropic medications. The article provides guidance for patients and families concerned about psychiatric medication dependence.
For More →
Parental Rights The State Does Not Raise Your Children with Diane Stein
Create Your Own Life
Jeremy Ryan Slate
November 1, 2022
Diane Stein discusses parental rights in mental health treatment and why parents must remain central in decisions affecting their children's mental health care. The interview emphasizes that the state should not replace parents in raising children.
For More →
Diane Stein: The Anti-Depressant Controversy
The Addiction Podcast
Joanie Sigal
October 27, 2022
Diane Stein discusses controversies surrounding antidepressant medications including side effects, efficacy questions, and withdrawal difficulties. The podcast examines issues rarely discussed in mainstream media about these widely prescribed drugs.
For More →
Here's Why Tracking Of Electroconvulsive Therapy Should Be Mandatory Across the Nation
Newsweek
Diane D. Stein
October 13, 2022
Diane Stein argues for mandatory national tracking of electroconvulsive therapy procedures. The article examines the lack of comprehensive data on ECT use and calls for transparency regarding this controversial psychiatric treatment.
For More →
Human Rights Expert: Why Everyone Should Care About Coercive Psychiatry
Newsweek
Diane D. Stein
June 2, 2022
Diane Stein explains what coercive psychiatry is and why it matters to everyone, not just those directly affected. The article discusses involuntary commitment, forced treatment, and the erosion of civil liberties in mental health settings.
For More →
Human Rights Expert: What the Mental Health Industry Gets Wrong About Suicide Prevention
Newsweek
Diane D. Stein
December 21, 2021
Diane Stein critiques current suicide prevention approaches in the mental health industry. She argues that coercive interventions and over-reliance on medications miss the root causes and may harm rather than help those in crisis.
For More →
Baker Act exams decrease for the first time in more than 20 years during the year of pandemic
ABC Action News Tampa
Katie LaGrone
June 8, 2021
This story covers the first decrease in Baker Act examinations in over 20 years, occurring during the pandemic year. Diane Stein acted as consultant analyzing why numbers decreased when schools were closed.
For More →
Advocates Cheer Passage Of Bill Requiring Baker Act Parental Notification
WFSU Public Media
Lynn Hatter
May 24, 2021
This story covers the passage of legislation requiring parental notification when children are Baker Acted. Diane Stein was interviewed and acted as consultant celebrating this victory for parental rights.
For More →
Costly and Cruel: How Misuse of the Baker Act Harms 37000 Florida Children Each Year
Southern Poverty Law Center
Southern Poverty Law Center
January 1, 1970
This major report examines the misuse of Florida's Baker Act on children. Diane Stein acted as consultant contributing expertise on Baker Act abuse patterns and impacts on families and children.
For More →
Southern Poverty Law Center Reports On Child Baker Act Use
WFSU Public Media
Lynn Hatter
March 23, 2021
This story covers the SPLC's report on Baker Act misuse with children. Diane Stein acted as consultant providing information and context for the reporter's coverage of the report's findings.
For More →
Committed: Improving Florida's Baker Act For Children A Challenge
WUSF Public Media
Lynn Hatter
December 18, 2020
This is the 5th and final segment of WFSU's award-winning investigative series on the Baker Act. Diane Stein was interviewed and acted as consultant for this segment examining challenges to improving Baker Act procedures for children.
For More →
COMMITTED: Why And How Children Are the Fastest Growing Group Under Florida's Baker Act
WFSU Public Media
Lynn Hatter
January 1, 1970
This award-winning 5-part investigative series examines why children have become the fastest-growing group subjected to Baker Act involuntary examinations. Diane Stein acted as consultant for this comprehensive series.
For More →
Baker Act Ongoing Series
Tampa Bay Times
Multiple reporters
2019-Present
The Tampa Bay Times has published an ongoing investigative series examining Baker Act abuse and misuse in Florida. Diane Stein, certified on the Baker Act through DCF training, worked as consultant with the Tampa Bay Times on multiple stories in this series.
For More →
Florida kids are getting sent to psychiatric units under the Baker Act in record numbers
News-Press USA Today Network
Frank Gluck
August 21, 2019
This in-depth investigation examines the record numbers of Florida children being sent to psychiatric units under Baker Act involuntary examinations. Diane Stein acted as consultant providing expertise on the Baker Act and its impact on families.
For More →
Baker Acted kids in Florida still on the rise especially among younger children new state data shows
ABC Action News Tampa
Katie LaGrone
August 5, 2019
Investigative report showing continued rise in Baker Act cases among Florida children, particularly younger children. Diane Stein acted as consultant providing analysis of the state data and trends.
For More →
Florida Sees Significant Increase in Baker Acted Children
The Boca Raton Tribune
Christina Hristofordis
August 3, 2019
This article is a pickup of the NBC 5 WPTV story by Katie LaGrone examining the significant increase in Florida children subjected to Baker Act examinations. Diane Stein acted as consultant for the original story.
For More →
Baker Acted kids still on the rise especially among younger children new state data shows
NBC 5 WPTV
Katie LaGrone
August 2, 2019
Investigative report on rising Baker Act numbers among Florida children particularly young children. Diane Stein acted as consultant providing expertise on the state data trends and child mental health law.
For More →
Baker Acted kids still on the rise especially among younger children new state data shows
ABC 27 WXTL Tallahassee
Katie LaGrone
July 26, 2019
News coverage of state data showing Baker Act numbers continuing to rise among Florida children. Diane Stein acted as consultant for this coverage by Katie LaGrone.
For More →
Baker Acted kids still on the rise especially among younger children new state data shows
FOX 4 Now WFTX
Katie LaGrone
July 24, 2019
Continued coverage of rising Baker Act numbers among younger Florida children. Diane Stein acted as consultant for this investigation by Katie LaGrone.
For More →
Woman sues Port Charlotte clinic over unlawful Baker Act
Port Charlotte Sun
Anne Easker
June 8, 2019
News story covering a lawsuit against a Port Charlotte clinic for unlawful Baker Act detention. Diane Stein acted as consultant providing expertise on Baker Act legal requirements and violations.
For More →
Watchdog: Number of Florida Kids Held Under Baker Act on the Rise
Spectrum News 13
Stephanie Coueignoux
May 29, 2019
Investigative report examining the rising numbers of Florida children held under Baker Act. Diane Stein acted as consultant providing analysis and expertise on the troubling trends.
For More →
FL schools aren't mandated to have Baker Act policies; parents still left in the dark critics say
ABC Action News Tampa Bay
Katie LaGrone
January 25, 2019
Investigative report revealing that Florida schools aren't required to have Baker Act policies, leaving parents in the dark when children are involuntarily examined. Diane Stein was interviewed and acted as consultant for this story.
For More →
FL schools aren't mandated to have Baker Act policies; parents still left in the dark critics say
FOX 4 NOW WFTX
Katie LaGrone
January 25, 2019
Coverage of Florida schools lacking mandated Baker Act policies and the impact on parental notification. Diane Stein was interviewed and acted as consultant for this investigative story.
For More →
FL schools aren't mandated to have Baker Act policies; parents still left in the dark critics say
NBC 5 WPTV
Katie LaGrone
January 22, 2019
Coverage of Florida schools lacking Baker Act policies and leaving parents uninformed about children's involuntary examinations. Diane Stein was interviewed and acted as consultant for this investigation.
For More →
Orlando-area schools increase in Baker Acts on students after Parkland shooting
CBS News 6 WKMG
Adriana Iwasinski
November 5, 2018
Investigative report showing increased Baker Act use in Orlando-area schools following the Parkland shooting. Diane Stein was interviewed and acted as consultant examining this troubling trend.
For More →
BAKER ACT: How authorities walk an often thin line between caution and harm with minors
The St. Augustine Record
Colleen Jones
September 23, 2018
Examination of how authorities navigate the difficult balance between caution and potential harm when using the Baker Act on minors. Diane Stein was interviewed and acted as consultant for this comprehensive analysis.
For More →
Student placed under Baker Act after graphic drawings; mother outraged
First Coast ABC News
Kenneth Amaro
August 20, 2018
Coverage of a student Baker Acted after making graphic drawings, with the mother expressing outrage. Diane Stein was interviewed providing expertise on Baker Act procedures and parental rights.
For More →
Acadia Healthcare: Florida Supreme Court Ruling Increases Legal Risk for Psychiatric Facilities
The Capitol Forum
Miles Pulsford
May 22, 2018
Analysis of a Florida Supreme Court ruling that increased legal risks for psychiatric facilities. Diane Stein was interviewed and acted as consultant providing expertise on Baker Act procedures and patient rights.
Baker Act cases on the rise but some say it's not working
10 News WTSP
Liz Crawford
March 21, 2018
Investigative report on the rise in Baker Act cases and criticisms that the law isn't working as intended. Diane Stein was interviewed and acted as consultant analyzing the effectiveness of the Baker Act.
For More →
Mental-health counselors twice advised against committing Nikolas Cruz before school shooting records show
Washington Post
Tim Craig
March 19, 2018
Washington Post report on the Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz and mental health counselors' recommendations. Diane Stein acted as consultant providing expertise on Baker Act procedures and mental health law.
For More →
Shooter revealed gory fantasies to his therapists years before the Parkland massacre
The Miami Herald
Kyra Gurney
March 9, 2018
Miami Herald investigation into Nikolas Cruz's treatment history before the Parkland shooting. Diane Stein acted as consultant providing analysis of mental health treatment and Baker Act issues.
For More →
Children in Crisis Florida's Baker Acted kids - Surge in Baker Act exams for children under 10
NBC 5 WPTV
Katie LaGrone
February 26, 2018
Major investigative series examining the surge in Baker Act examinations for young children. Diane Stein was interviewed and acted as consultant for this comprehensive multi-part investigation by Katie LaGrone.
For More →
Children in Crisis Florida's Baker Acted kids - Surge in Baker Act exams for children under 10
ABC Action News WFTS
Katie LaGrone
February 26, 2018
ABC Action News coverage of the surge in Baker Act cases among young Florida children. Diane Stein was interviewed and acted as consultant for this major investigative series.
For More →
Children in Crisis Florida's Baker Acted kids - Surge in Baker Act exams for children under 10
FOX 4 Now WFTX
Katie LaGrone
February 26, 2018
FOX 4 coverage of the Children in Crisis investigative series on Baker Act. Diane Stein was interviewed and acted as consultant for this investigation.
For More →
Handcuffs and a psych exam for a 7-year-old? Schools do that too often parents say
The Miami Herald
Kyra Gurney
February 2, 2018
Miami Herald investigation into schools using handcuffs and involuntary psychiatric examinations on young children. Diane Stein was interviewed providing expertise on Baker Act misuse.
For More →
State report examines sharp rise in Baker Act cases
CBS 12 WPEC
Andrea Marvin
December 18, 2017
CBS 12 coverage of a state report examining the sharp rise in Baker Act cases. Diane Stein was interviewed and acted as consultant providing analysis of the data and trends.
For More →
A surge in students handcuffed locked up and labeled crazy
CBS 12 WPEC
Andrea Marvin
October 31, 2017
Investigative report on students being handcuffed, detained, and labeled with mental illness. Diane Stein was interviewed discussing Baker Act misuse and impacts on children.
Kids held for involuntary mental health evaluations without parental consent
CBS 12 WPEC
Lynda Figueredo
May 4, 2017
CBS 12 investigation into children held for involuntary mental health evaluations without parents being notified or giving consent. Diane Stein was interviewed about parental rights violations.
For More →
Electroshock Of Children Recommended By American Psychiatric Association Human Rights Group Protests
INQUISITOR
Heather Tooley
May 14, 2016
Article covering a human rights group's protest of the American Psychiatric Association's recommendation of electroshock therapy for children. Diane Stein was interviewed about ECT use on minors and human rights concerns.
For More →