Officials: mental health care still limited in VA - WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports

Officials: mental health care still limited in VA

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Experts and state officials say Virginia has improved its mental health system since the mass shooting at Virginia Tech in 2007. But funding shortages and other issues remain.

University of Virginia law professor Richard J. Bonnie said that mental health care isn't available in most areas for people who can't afford private care. Or, care isn't available in a timely manner.

State House Minority Leader David J. Toscano said the state hasn't been able to keep pace with the need.

Reforms since then include changing the standard for involuntary commitment, and improving and clarifying procedures for mandatory outpatient treatment.

But Bonnie said the system still has a long way to go.

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