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SALT LAKE CITY -- Even with 125 fewer staff, Valley Mental Health officials said Wednesday they will keep up services to clients. But many of those clients said they're concerned, anxious and angry about the cuts.
At a town hall meeting organized to discuss the results of an $8 million shortfall, Valley Mental Health clients had a lot of questions.
"When will we know how that's affecting us?" one person asked.
Another asked, "What about the children's outpatient center?"
"It's hard to get comfortable with a new therapist; and if we lose our therapist, it's going to be harder for sobriety," a third said.
Several people, among the thousands in Salt Lake, Tooele, and Summit counties, attended the meeting. They said they are grateful for their recovery from addiction, personality disorders, depression and more.
"Self-esteem is so vital when they're going through these social-mental breakdowns," said Linda Morley, whose daughter received treatment at Valley Mental Health.
Officials from the agency promised to minimize the impact of their tight budget, even though up to 125 people could be laid off.
"That's one of our major concerns. We don't want to have to cut services to our clients. We want to continue to serve all the clients that we have right now," said Richard Hatch, chief clinical officer at Valley Mental Health.
The staff said they will do that by changing they way they provide services--structuring therapies differently, using group therapy where possible, and utilizing volunteers more. But many clients see the layoffs as a major change that will affect them.
"I wonder, myself, the services that are cut here, where people are going to be. They're going to get lost. They're going to relapse. There is going to be more crime," said client Melanie Arzate.
There's also concern for a growing list of people who now have diminished hope of getting treatment.
"I just hope they can provide the same services for people who were in my position who can get help and are willing to get help," said client Will Roebuck.
Medicaid makes up most of the Valley Mental Health budget, but the shortfall is coming mostly because of cuts from state and county sources.
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
