I am writing to clarify a misunderstanding about social workers printed in the editorial "Tucson and mental health" (Jan. 16). Referring to the proposed Mental Health First Aid program, the editorial states that "social workers, college counselors, teachers and others can help until professional aid is available." This statement suggests that social workers are not professionally trained to deal with mental health problems. This inaccuracy is troubling because clinical social workers have been providing mental health services for nearly a century and are licensed by the state of Maryland to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Furthermore, at a time when mental health resources are stretched thin, clinical social workers are often underutilized although they are able to treat individuals with mental illness.

Sean Lynch, Baltimore

The writer is a licensed, certified social worker.