To the editors:

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Two years ago I was working hard at a new business, and looking forward to marrying the most wonderful woman on earth. I had been in the same industry for nine years, so it wasn’t new to me, but a start-up situation in a downturning economy always brings lots of challenges. The next six months didn’t betray this assessment. But as time went on, something else started to happen. Each problem that arose not only seemed more difficult to overcome, but left lingering feelings of self-doubt and paranoia. Decisions large and small seemed impossible to make and once made, mostly turned to disaster. Then the physical illness began. For weeks I would throw up at least once a day, even without eating. I would sweat through four layers of clothing, and my legs shook so much I could hardly walk down a flight of stairs. My doctor jokingly suggested I might be pregnant. During this time, my business fell apart, my employees were leaving in droves and my partners were obviously frightened by my strange behavior.

I was a little skeptical at first, but what a pleasant surprise on my first visit. Bright, cheery surroundings, genuinely helpful, friendly people and a professional staff that cared. In particular, the clinical psychologist that was assigned to me. The fee I paid is based on my financial state, so the low cost took a great burden off of me that carried into my therapy. Great progress was made and life started to look brighter and fuller. Then two weeks ago (ironically after one of the best sessions I’ve had) my therapist informed me she was being transferred in September and could no longer treat me. In addition, the entire staff would be reduced and a strong possibility exists that the Lakeview center will be closed and I will no longer receive treatment. This makes me very sad.

N. Lake Shore Drive