Florida mental health care takes step in the right direction

It’s a step in the right direction but still mental health care has a long way to go in Florida.

Last week Governor Rick Scott signed an executive order to provide better coordination between mental health care agencies – the Department of Corrections, Department of Children and Families and the Department of Juvenile Justice – because funding was too “fragmented” between the agencies.

Still, a lot is left to desire for the 49^th ranked state in terms of mental health care, according to Assistant Professor of Psychology at University of North Florida Dr. Angela Mann.

“Unfortunately Florida is coming from a place where we have a long way to go,” Dr. Mann tells WOKV. “I think that this initiative is exciting, in terms of the impacts it might have on mental health care here in Florida, but I think the verdict is out on what kind of impact it will have.”

One of the glaring needs for Florida – and us here in Jacksonville – is mental health care professionals. Dr. Mann says what workers are available have extensive waiting lists and don’t accept Medicaid. Meanwhile, 50 percent of Medicaid recipients will need mental health care.

Obviously funding is also a constant battle; mental health care services are often the first on the budget chopping block. In 2012 Florida issued cuts of around $15 million.

Dr. Mann says Florida should look at mental health care more proactively and address needs for children if we want to truly improve.