Dr. Marel Sabanucci addresses Puerto Rico's mental health service crisis
June 28, 2021 | Senate, Committees, Legislative, Puerto Rico, International
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The Comisión de Iniciativas Comunitarias held a meeting on June 28, 2021, focusing on mental health reform in Puerto Rico. The session began with a call for testimonies from professionals in the field, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements in mental health services across the island.
Dr. Marel Sabanucci, a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience, provided a detailed account of the challenges faced in coordinating psychiatric services. She highlighted a significant shortage of available psychiatrists, noting that after contacting eighteen professionals, she was only able to secure an appointment a month later. This delay underscores the broader issue of accessibility to mental health care in Puerto Rico, exacerbated by the ongoing effects of natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Sabanucci explained that many patients are experiencing heightened symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder due to past traumas, including hurricanes and earthquakes. The pandemic has further destabilized previously stable patients, leading to an overwhelming demand for services that private practices cannot meet. She reported that her practice has been unable to accept new patients due to full schedules and long waiting lists.
The discussion also touched on the financial challenges faced by mental health professionals. Dr. Sabanucci pointed out that the reimbursement rates from medical plans are insufficient to cover the operational costs of private practices. She emphasized that while Puerto Rico produces well-trained psychologists, the economic realities make it difficult for them to sustain their practices and provide adequate care.
The meeting concluded with a call to action for better funding and support for mental health services, as well as a need for public education on the importance of mental health treatment. The testimonies shared during the session highlighted the critical state of mental health care in Puerto Rico and the urgent need for systemic reform to address these challenges.
Dr. Marel Sabanucci, a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience, provided a detailed account of the challenges faced in coordinating psychiatric services. She highlighted a significant shortage of available psychiatrists, noting that after contacting eighteen professionals, she was only able to secure an appointment a month later. This delay underscores the broader issue of accessibility to mental health care in Puerto Rico, exacerbated by the ongoing effects of natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Sabanucci explained that many patients are experiencing heightened symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder due to past traumas, including hurricanes and earthquakes. The pandemic has further destabilized previously stable patients, leading to an overwhelming demand for services that private practices cannot meet. She reported that her practice has been unable to accept new patients due to full schedules and long waiting lists.
The discussion also touched on the financial challenges faced by mental health professionals. Dr. Sabanucci pointed out that the reimbursement rates from medical plans are insufficient to cover the operational costs of private practices. She emphasized that while Puerto Rico produces well-trained psychologists, the economic realities make it difficult for them to sustain their practices and provide adequate care.
The meeting concluded with a call to action for better funding and support for mental health services, as well as a need for public education on the importance of mental health treatment. The testimonies shared during the session highlighted the critical state of mental health care in Puerto Rico and the urgent need for systemic reform to address these challenges.
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