(April 29, 2024) — The National Press Foundation has awarded the Carolyn C. Mattingly Award for Mental Health Reporting to The Seattle Times for its series untangling the complex maze of insurance coverage for mental health conditions.

Insurance often “feels like an impossible topic to write about,” but these reporters did so in a way that was both fascinating and clarifying, NPF judges said in awarding the $10,000 prize. The series showed that while federal law requires mental health to be covered at the same level as physical health, insurers often fail to live up to that standard – with little oversight.

Seattle Times mental health reporter Hannah Furfaro investigated patterns of insurance denials to reveal that some patients with eating disorders were essentially given the message that they would have to starve more to get doctor-recommended care.

Lauren Frohne and Jennifer Luxton created an animated video, which NPF judges praised for “allowing a teen’s voice to be heard” regarding her experience with insurance denials.

Judges also noted Seattle Times mental health reporter Michelle Baruchman’s strong conceptual approach to telling the story of “ghost therapists” and why it seems so hard to find a therapist who will take your insurance.

The National Press Foundation and the Luv u Project established this award in 2015 to honor excellence in mental health reporting. It is named in memory of the Potomac, Maryland philanthropist and activist. Mattingly’s family decided to establish the award in the aftermath of her tragic death in 2014.

The award is open to U.S.-based journalists, in any media. It recognizes exemplary journalism that illuminates and advances the understanding of mental health issues and treatments for the illness.