Nonprofit says Arizona faces shortage of behavioral specialists for children

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A provider in Arizona says the state is short on counselors and therapists who help children with behavioral issues, and some professionals say the shortage is hurting families across the country as well.

M.I.K.I.D is a nonprofit based in Phoenix that provides services to families across Arizona. It helps kids and parents navigate the behavioral health system, which is a big need in the state.

“When one in five individuals have struggled with mental health challenges, it’s very important,” said Patrick Winters, vice president of marketing and development with M.I.K.I.D. “It’s paramount to keeping families together.”

Winters says the pool for hiring trained professionals is shrinking. They say 40 to 50 people have been referred to other groups because they do not have the staff to support them. Winters says they are seeing that more than ever before, which comes at a time when other places don’t have enough staff to stay open.

“Unfortunately there have seen several other family-run nonprofit agencies that have had to shut the doors because of funding restrictions,” Winters said. “After COVID the spike in mental health challenges rose and we’re here to try and support that.”

Christy Roberts is a single mom with two sons who need support to work through their conditions. Both have ADHD, and one of her boys has a condition that can cause frequent outbursts.

“We have to be very careful of their emotions,” Roberts said. “They’re very emotional and we try to mitigate what we can from keeping them from having meltdowns.”

Roberts said it has been difficult as counselors have come and gone for years. She couldn’t find consistent care for her kids with someone they knew, were comfortable with, and trusted. She said it was difficult every time she had to try and find a new provider.

“I thought I would lose my mind honestly it as so difficult. It was really frustrating that I couldn’t find what I needed in one spot. They have an abundance of emotions so its really difficult for them when they lose a provider and they have to have a new one,” Roberts said.

Roberts landed at M.I.K.I.D two years ago and says the results have been terrific. She says she finally has consistent care for her kids. She hopes more people will consider entering the field.

“I’m hoping they learn how to navigate their emotions and skills as they get older. I can’t do it as one person so I do need a team. I hope that other parents have an easier journey to find the right fit than I did,” Roberts said.

The shortage does not appear to be going away anytime soon. If you are interested in getting involved, you can click here.

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