County Therapists Overbooked, Dept. of Health Looks to Add One

LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Case overload for the Department of Health’s therapists is forcing the department to look into expanding their therapist staff.

Jim Peraino appeared at Monday’s Ways and Means Committee meeting to introduce the idea of making a new hire.

“The caseload for the current clinicians are about 130. The industry averages about 90, so it’s definitely needed,” said Peraino. “Even by adding this one won’t even really reduce the 130 it will just help us reduce that wait time to see more emergent patients and new clients as well.”

Peraino said that although someone in a crisis or emergency will be seen right away, the waitlist for a new client can be eight to 10 weeks due to backlog. Recurring patients generally get an appointment within three to four weeks.

The Department of Health estimates that an incoming therapist will earn about $74,000 in salary and benefits. Periano said that the therapists bring in $80,000 to $116,000 in cases.

Optimizing mental health services is at the forefront of Livingston County’s public health mission. Livingston County still has the highest suicide rate in the region and is one of the highest in the state. The Livingston County Suicide Prevention Task Force was founded to defeat suicide’s stigma and get people to speak up when they notice potential signs or symptoms in others, just like they would if a friend showed signs or symptoms of any other medical condition.

The Ways and Means Committee unanimously voted in approval of the hire. The action item will now go to the Livingston County Board of Supervisors for final consideration and possible approval.