Startling Shortage Of Mental Health Professionals Exists In Las Vegas

There are few cities in the U.S

There are few cities in the U.S. whose overall mental health more exactly rides the presiding wave of the economy than Las Vegas. When times are good (and more people have disposable income to bring into play on high-rolling vacations and real estate) Las Vegas rides high as well. Work is plentiful and people move from all over the country to enjoy the good times, glitz and glamour.

The variety of entertainment and the hope of making big money at the hotels and resorts keep the hospitality industry alive. Housing is relatively affordable as well, and the cost of living relatively low, so those that come to this busy city to work and live are usually well positioned to make a good go of it. As a result of this roller coaster ride, however, the Las Vegas psychiatry community faces some unique challenges, and unfortunately, there is a severe shortage of qualified therapists to handle the workload.

Vegas is one of the most quickly growing cities in the U.S. and has been for some time. As mentioned above, however, this electric oasis in the desert is also a mirror of the economy at large, and when the economic downturn occurred, the effects were felt in this town more severely than in most of the country.

One of the most overlooked effects of the economic downturn is that of the mental health of a financially struggling population, and one of the most overlooked problems in Las Vegas is a shortage of mental health professionals that currently live and work in the city. The patient to psychiatrist ratio in the state is approximately 700:1, which is about twice the number that health officials would like to see.

Las Vegas mental health professionals face unique problems. Nevada has one of the highest reported levels of stress in the United States. The high-paced and fluctuating lifestyle for those in this desert metropolis is largely responsible for the stress. Still, even during these tough economic times, the population is growing by an estimated 175 people a day, putting further pressure on the jobs situation. The rates of depression, anxiety, and marital problems (as a result of job losses and housing foreclosures - among the highest in the country) are likely a big reason that local suicides have increased over the last few years.

Fortunately, both state and city governments recognize the problem and are in the process of providing residents with more and better resources. A mental health services center for Southern Nevada has recently opened in Las Vegas, and the non-profit sector has also stepped up to meet the challenge and provide more resources, services, and treatment options.

The shortage is still a problem, and the caseload is unique, but thankfully, it appears that strides are being made to meet the needs of the crisis.

by: Stephen Daniels

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