I am a Mental Health Professional with 7+ years working on the front line. I work with client's, their families and numerous service providers to ensure that the best quality of care is given so that they can maintain in a community setting. I am truly saddened by the changes and this is why:

I currently work with a delightful client who will more than likely not qualify for continued services under the new regulations. I think it's important to know that without MHSS, this client would not have followed through with appropriate physician appointments, maintained prescription medication management, applied money management skills to secure and maintain appropriate housing, engaged in social/recreational activities or utilized community resources such as food banks.  It's a shame to see overall quality of care for client's that need services be compromised due to financial situations.

These same changes are supposed to save money? Without  the quality care of Mental Health Professionals, these same client's risk hospitalization, prison, homelessness and many other issues without the assistance/help of those organizations that can provide therapuetic relationships to lessen the frequency of these occurances.

I am in the field every day. I see the huge benefits of our services to those client's who might not otherwise have a chance at a normal life. A life that is filled with purpose, meaning and happiness. I see how not only do we assist the client, but their familes in knowing that they are not alone and that we are all working towards a common goal. I hear the positive feedback from service providers during PCP appointments, counseling sessions, etc..in the fact that we can provide information due to the strong relationship we have with the client in advocating for quality care.

Change is good, when the change is better for all involved. I hope that those people that can make the change look closely at the bigger picture. Let's make a difference and find ways to effectively find ways to improve Mental Health in VA.