November 20, 2006

 

 

 

Ms. Pam Shipman

Piedmont Behavioral Health

 

 

 

Dear Ms. Shipman:

 

As primary care providers for children in Davidson County, we have increasingly been faced with trying to meet the needs of children with serious mental illness and their families.  Though diagnosis and treatment, along with other professionals, of Attention Deficit Disorder, minor depression and anxiety are generally within the realm of our expertise, many other things are not.

 

There is a crucial need for pediatric psychiatric consultation, diagnostic and treatment services.  With only one provider, ie. Daymark, available to many families access is difficult, slow and frustrating.  The lack of choice of providers is also a significant problem.

 

Please consider this crisis in developing a community mental health plan for the next three years.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Amy Suttle, M. D.

Partner

Thomasville & Archdale Pediatrics

 

 

AS:pbg