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Syracuse Faces Shortage in Mental Health Professionals Syracuse Faces Shortage in Mental Health Professionals

By Rosie Rapisarda

Peck Hall
© 2007 Rosie Rapisarda

Despite increased awareness about mental health, many individuals still hesitate to seek support.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that only 43-percent of people who suffer from mental illness seek help.

The Syracuse University Falk College Clinic Director, Tyler Sliker, says the reasons are mental health stigma and the fear of being judged.

“There are certain demographics and populations of communities that there are cultural norms within like sub-communities that have a stigma against mental health or stigma around, you know, talking about problems with like a stranger.”

Sliker says the stigma prevents people from getting the help they need, affecting their personal lives and public health.

“You deserve to feel good in your body and your mind, and your spirit. Mental health care is a great way to help find balance in one’s emotional internal worlds.”

Sliker says to end stigma is to speak about mental health care with the same level of openness as any other type of health care.

Rosie Rapisarda, N-C-C News

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Mental health clinics are struggling to meet the growing demand for patient care.

More than half of the U.S. population lives in a mental health professional shortage area, according to the Bureau of Health Workforce.

There is an even greater shortage of professionals specializing in child therapy, according to Tyler Sliker, director of the Syracuse University Falk College Couple and Family Therapy Clinic (CFTC).

“We get lots of calls from parents seeking care for their teens who have contacted various clinics and private practice providers, sometimes without even getting a callback because those sites are so overwhelmed,” Sliker said.

Sliker, who uses they/them pronouns, said it is a trend in the Syracuse community.

To help address the shortage of child mental health professionals, CFTC offers a program specializing in child therapy to train Syracuse University students.

“We have a number of students coming out here with that interest, so it’s hopefully starting to fill that gap,” they said.

Sliker said it brings them joy to guide and serve as a role model for these students.

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