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To the editor:

I want to respond to Ron Issac's “Wake-up call” column of March 24. Despite his argument that the mental health system and other programs need fixing, I found his polemical statements to be both inflammatory and misleading. Other than being an observer, I don’t know what Mr. Issac’s qualifications are to judge and often condemn the mental health system. I have worked at a major NYC public hospital as a psychologist for more than 30 years — both inpatient and outpatient. I am a union member.  Of course this is not a perfect system — nothing is. But I have treated and seen decompensated and poorly functioning patients often improve with psychotropic medication and both individual/group therapy.

The writer describes treatment that existed decades ago — not currently. The combination of a psychiatric disorder, substance use and homelessness is difficult to treat. We can agree on that. However, comprehensive services exist — sometimes it is the patient dismissing treatment options. There are rehabs, residential treatment and milieu therapy. Issac casts a very dark and negative picture that is often not based on current reality. However, people know the stigma that exists for getting treatment and believe the distorted pictures that are presented. Unfortunately, his call to action is mixed in with both partial truths and untruths that detract from the message.

Mental health treatment and other social programs are worth the investment of time, money and energy. Not everyone can be fixed or wants the available and effective treatments. But we can and must do better. Substance use, untreated psychiatric disorders and homelessness are equal opportunity destroyers. Life in NYC demands that we do more — but consider the real data and facts and stop spreading statements that undermine real solutions and turn people away from getting the help they want and deserve.

Steve Goldfinger