PHOENIX (AZFamily) – An Arizona provider says the state is short of counselors and therapists who can help children with behavioral problems, and some experts say the shortage is hitting families across the country as well.
MIKID is a Phoenix-based nonprofit that provides assistance to families across Arizona, helping children and parents navigate the mental health care system, which is desperately needed in the state.
“When one in five people struggle with mental health issues, that’s very important,” says Patrick Winters, vice president of marketing and development at MIKID. “It’s of utmost importance to keep families together.”
Winters says the pool of qualified professionals is shrinking. They say 40 to 50 people have been referred to other groups because they don’t have the staff to support them. Winters says they’re seeing this more often than ever before, and at a time when other facilities don’t have enough staff to stay open.
“Unfortunately, several other family-run nonprofits have had to close due to funding constraints,” Winters said. “Post-COVID, mental health issues have skyrocketed, and we’re here to try to support that.”
Christy Roberts is a single mother of two sons who need support to cope with their problems. Both have ADHD and one of her sons suffers from a condition that can cause frequent outbursts of anger.
“We have to be very careful with their emotions,” Roberts said. “They are very emotional and we try to protect them from nervous breakdowns as much as possible.”
Roberts said it was difficult because counselors had come and gone over the years. She couldn’t find consistent care for her children with someone they knew, felt comfortable with and trusted. She said it was difficult each time she had to try to find a new provider.
“I thought I was going to lose my mind, honestly, it was so difficult. It was really frustrating that I couldn’t find what I needed in one place. They have a plethora of emotions, so it’s really difficult for them when they lose a provider and need a new one,” Roberts said.
Roberts joined MIKID two years ago and says the results have been great. She says she finally has consistent care for her children. She hopes more people will want to get into the field.
“I hope that as they get older, they will learn to manage their feelings and abilities. I can’t do this alone, so I need a team. I hope other parents have an easier time finding the right thing than I did,” Roberts said.
The shortage doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. If you’re interested in getting involved, you can click here.
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