Dallas County in Iowa has started a waiting list for some mental health services, hoping to stretch its budget so it can meet residents' most vital needs.
Community Services Director Darci Alt expects more than 600 people will obtain mental health services through the county this year.
Alt said "with the downturn in the economy, financial problems and job loss are causing people to have more crisis situations."
Alt said the waiting list will not affect therapy services, but there will be limited access to transportation, day programming, community living and employment services.
The waiting list will affect an estimated 30 percent of the county's patients. The overall number could increase if more people seek services.
