Statewide reports shows how bad mental health support is in Florida

A report released in December paints a bad picture for mental health in Florida.

The Third Interim Report of the 20th Statewide Grand Jury was released by the Florida Attorney General’s Office in December of last year.

It’s a sobering account that outlines a laundry list of issues in Florida’s mental health system.

“Our mental health care ‘system,’ if one can even call it that, is a mess,” the report states.

Alise Bartley, the director of the Community Counseling Center at Florida Gulf Coast University, said she is disappointed but not surprised.

“Our mental health is so very fragile. And it’s been holding on by a thread for many, many years. And now the thread has broken,” Bartley said.

The grand jury points to a number of issues including not enough funding, lack of coordination between services and insufficient leadership at all levels.

The lack of funding stuck out to Bartley.

A study, completed in July, shows FLorida spends just $36.59 per person to treat people with mental health issues.

Only Arizona spends less at $12.49.

Vermont spends the most at $424.66.

But, Bartley said, money can’t be the only answer.

“This isn’t about just throwing whatever, whatever mental health care that is available to someone, it’s about doing that accurate assessment, and being certain we connect them with the right treatment,” Bartley said.

The report also addresses school shootings.