By James Sullivan, Walden
I would like to address a problem around New York State and could be happening around the country. There is a shortage of therapists and psychologists happening all over, including in Orange County. I have contacted the latest 20+ psychologists and therapists, and they tell me that they are stopping taking health plans and charging people $300-$500. Counseling Services at Garnet Health Medical Center is not taking patients, they are short of staff; Columbia Doctors in New York City informed me that they are putting people on waitlist who have insurance and those who want to pay $500 can see someone right away. This is why people are so depressed because there is shortage of therapists and psychologists around Orange County and many people cannot afford out of pocket to see someone, so they become more depressed there is no help. New York State and Orange County need to declare mental health emergency; there is no help.