Lindsay Clancy tragedy highlights flaws in fragmented U.S. mental health care

Lindsay Clancy obtained thirteen different medications through thirty prescriptions from five clinicians at two separate hospitals in the four months before she killed her three children and tried to end her own life. The ongoing murder trial has revealed that her care was spread across many providers who offered conflicting advice and did not share information. Analysts point out that, for most privately insured patients, such siloed treatment is typical because providers work for distinct employers and there is no universal electronic health record.

They contend that a central figure responsible for coordinating her care could have prevented the tragedy. The case is being used to illustrate broader deficiencies in the U.S. mental-health system.