Experts said factors include a long-running lack of therapists specializing in teens and children, and increased stress among kids stemming partly from the pandemic.
Even as depression, anxiety and suicide rates rise among teenagers on Long Island and around the nation, a shortage in psychologists and therapists has led to difficulty securing appointments for treatment.
Waiting lists can be months long if they’re available at all. Some mental health professionals are working overtime to try to meet demand, while some parents are bringing their kids to appointments during school hours — the only time slots available.
Source: Therapist shortage has parents struggling to get teens help as depression, suicides rise