Coal towns struggle for good mental health care [usatoday.com]

Alicia Doktor 10/18/174:00 AM

PINEVILLE, W.Va. — Every other month, Tanya Nelson travels 32 miles from the heart of Appalachia’s coal country for an appointment with the nearest psychiatrist for therapy and to renew prescriptions.

But the commute, which should take less than an hour through the winding mountain roads of southern West Virginia, consumes her entire day.

Nelson, 29, needs treatment for bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety. But she does not drive, so she must use a van service to keep her appointments. It makes numerous stops along the highway, picking up other travelers, and usually doesn’t return to her home in New Richmond, W.Va., until day’s end.

[For more on this story by Vickie Connor, go to https://www.usatoday.com/story...alth-care/768669001/]

Photo: Family physician Joanna Bailey at her desk in Pineville, W.Va.
Kaiser Health News

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