Mental health advocates are concerned about access to psychological services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Late last week the Association of Psychology Newfoundland and Labrador declared the current situation a “psychology crisis” because of increased demand, coupled with the departure of some of their members working in the public health sector (education, health, post-secondary), with many areas currently experiencing vacancies of 30-50 per cent.

The Canadian Mental Health Association NL branch says the current situation is unacceptable.

CEO Kimberly Dawson says the crisis comes at a time when our province is already seeing increased and more complex needs from the public.

She says having vacancies in psychology in both public and private sectors is unacceptable.