Readers respond: Salinas supports mental health workforce

I am a retired clinical psychologist who currently volunteers for community organizations. I received my doctorate 49 years ago, when our nation provided grants and scholarships for behavioral health training. This funding, plus part time work through graduate school, allowed me to graduate with no debt. Because of that, I was able to work throughout my career in school and public service settings, including in rural Oregon and Alaska. The pay was less, but the rewards were immeasurable. If I were entering the field today, I would have to enter private practice to help support my family while simultaneously paying off significant debt, because these government grants and scholarships no longer exist.

We face a critical behavioral health workforce shortage. I hear heartbreaking stories of families with children in distress who are on months-long waiting lists, and of people seeking substance use treatment who can’t find a program because of lack of staff.