Mental illness is such a delicate yet complicated issue, and one that is greatly misunderstood.  I have worked in the Mental Health field for the past 8 years and have met many wonderful individuals who are plagued with such intense feelings of depression, anxiety, anger, suicidality, fear, etc. that they cannot fathom life the way we know it, much less live independently without the support and skills provided by clinicians.  Our clinicians aid these individuals in deescalating, assist them in implementing beneficial coping skills, teach them ways to interact with others in order to broaden their social network and build healthy relationships, keep them accountable to refrain from self-harmful behaviors or taking their medications as prescribed – the list goes on and on.   Our clinicians are not our clients’ friends, but a role model, educator, and someone who brings them hope and the belief that they can have a better life.

Those of us who work with these individuals on a daily basis know that without this service there is going to be an increase in homelessness, violent crimes, hospitalizations and residents in long term care facilities.  Please take a closer look at preventative care and know that organizations that care about ethics and high standards of practice are aiding individuals in your community to stay safe, learn the skills necessary to become the healthiest version of themselves, and to increase their independence.

There are many agencies that are not providing a quality service, who knock on low income housing doors and offer babysitting, cleaning or companionship “as long as you have Medicaid.” I agree with those who suggest increasing audits to buckle down on the agencies that are not truly providing MHSS and taking advantage of those with mental illness.  Let’s raise the bar of the standards of practice and not punish those who truly need the service.  We are in the helping field, please let us help them.