Few options for many with mental illnesses who can't afford treatment - WAFF-TV Huntsville (AL)

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By Trang Do

A Valley mother says her daughter is in serious need of medical help, but she has been turned away three times from a Marshall County behavioral health facility.

Michelle Guffey was an outgoing woman, one who enjoyed concerts and even participated in local beauty pageants.

But her mother Rita says all that changed in 2004, when Michelle began to exhibit symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder. "It's very depressing, it's very hurtful, and you don't know the tears I've cried about this," Guffey said.

"Really honestly and truthfully, and I mean any parent would and any parent would want help for their child."

Guffey says the family has contacted Mountain Lakes Behavioral Healthcare in Guntersville three times since April, seeking treatment for her daughter. And Guffey says all three times they were turned away because Michelle has no income and no insurance.

"There should be some place in Marshall County where people could go when they're this upset and need to see a counselor,' Guffey said.

"Doesn't matter if they've got a million dollars or no money at all." The center's website says no one will be denied care based on their inability to pay. So we brought Guffey's concerns to the center's executive director, Kert Reedstrom.

"Our policies are such that each person who may come in for services, if they do not fit that criteria of seriously mentally ill, they are not under our funding from the state to see that individual," Reedstrom told WAFF.

He says unfortunately for people who suffer from mental illnesses but aren't classified as seriously mentally ill, there are little to no options for free treatment from the government.

You can contact Trang at tdo@waff.com