Legislators and health care providers gathered for a public hearing Wednesday night to discuss access to behavioral and mental health services.
The event was held by the legislature’s Behavioral and Mental Health Task Force which aims to address the gaps that exist in receiving treatment for mental illness and substance abuse.
“It’s very apparent that Delaware lacks, particularly certain areas like child mental health, we need more psychiatrists and clinical experts and part of our plan is including the workforce development and having those adequate services," said task force co-chair State Sen. Bethany Hall-Long (D-Middletown).
Hall-Long (D-Middletown) says the goal is to compile the best information possible about the issue.
“We’re hoping that people come out and share their first hand experiences with getting access to psychiatrists or psychologists, or therapists, issues they might be having, good or bad with insurance or pharmacies, and just overall, [suggest] recommendations," said Hall-Long.
According to a report released last month, Delaware saw a jump in short-term hospitalizations in psychiatric facilities last year. Numbers indicate a 30 percent increase compared to hospitalizations recorded four years ago.
Hall-Long adds that members of the business community will also be part of the conversation - addressing the impacts of mental health on the state economy.
The task force was established just last year and has previously examined issues including Delaware’s shortage of child psychiatrists and suicide screening assessment.
