70 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com When the mental health profession as we know it today began taking shape in the 1950s, there came with it the hurdle of the social stigma – making families desperate to keep their issues quiet and unknown to friends, acquaintances and relatives. While that stigma still exists to a large extent, mental health support is now far more accepted in American society – but the need has increased so much in the last 40 years that now there aren’t enough professional therapists to meet the growing demand. In the next 10 years, as Americans of all ages cope with aging, personal health, school and work stresses, affordable living and how to balance it all with quality of life, the continuing lack of mental health professionals is expected to force many people who need their services and support to consider other alternatives. “We have seen a dramatic increase in mental health concerns among all populations,” said Dr. Kelly Rabenstein, psychologist and owner of Magnolia Psychological Services in Mount Pleasant. “But this rise has been particularly alarming in children and adolescents, including steep rises in suicidal thoughts and behaviors.” NOT ENOUGH MENTAL HEALTH THERAPISTS TO GO AROUND By L. C. Leach III
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