Probing the Extent of Major Psychiatric Illnesses

I commend The Times for publishing Allan Parachini’s article “Probing the State of Our Minds” (Nov. 1) detailing the extent of major psychiatric illnesses that afflicts the populace.

In light of the evidence of widespread suffering, how can our governor and legislature continually decline to financially support minimally adequate care for the many who suffer from serious mental illness and have no resources to purchase care?

Further, thousands of years of prejudice and stigma (reminiscent of religious persecution) have contributed to a two-tiered system, wherein very many who do have health insurance have such poor coverage for mental illnesses that they cannot afford appropriate treatment.

CARY D. GLASS MD

Los Angeles