Governor McDonnell issued Executive Order 68, stating "While there are quality services in place to address most types of mental health needs, we must increase the capacity and availability of those services in all Virginia communities so that every person in crisis is able to receive much-needed help. Simultaneously, we must look for ways to expand the availability of ongoing treatment and support services that will prevent mental health crises." Not only do these proposed changes NOT increase capacity, it significantly limits availability based on a variety of factors that contradicts basic standards of care in the mental health field.

 

Studies have consistently shown that early intervention is most effective. The mandate that someone under the age of 21 be required to live independently will essentially eliminate services for young adults who either choose or must remain in their family homes, which is more likely to occur with a young adult experiencing significant mental health symptoms.

 

Mental Health providers have been trained to respect the decisions of those they serve- but requiring that someone be taking traditional psychiatric meds and stipulate where they choose to live is completely counterintuitive.

 

The individuals who shared their experiences in earlier posts know how vital this service can be. Ultimately, shouldn't they be the ones heard, or does it take high profile tragedies to move mental health needs to the forefront?