Few would argue, we are living in complicated and stressful times. From world events to local news, it seems like there is always something to lose sleep over. Combine those factors with the intricacies of human brains, many of which host clinical disorders, and it is plain to see why sometimes, we might need professional help to get through it all.
Enter Cynthia Barrow, a licensed clinical social worker; and Greg Barrow, a board-certified psychiatrist. This couple comes to the mountaintop, having relocated from the state of Colorado.
They bring with them “solid clinical experience,” according to Cynthia, and with a combined 75 years in practice, that would be hard to dispute. Together, this dynamic husband and wife duo are launching a hybrid practice both online and in-person at their offices within Plaza 23 in Windham.
“Some people prefer in office,” said Cynthia. “Because there’s a shortage, particularly of psychiatrists, nationwide, that can mean a long drive. “Some prefer virtual,” she added.
That shortage, it turns out, is severe and worsening.
It’s estimated that close to 59 million Americans live with a mental illness, according to data from 2021-2022. Roughly half of those do not receive treatment, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Among the leading barriers to care are lack of access, with over one-third of Americans living in areas lacking mental health professionals; perception and stigma, with many in need attempting to handle their problems on their own; and cost, with affordability remaining a major obstacle to accessing care.
Rural counties in particular, can often be characterized as mental health deserts without sufficient practitioners.
The Barrows note more than 60 percent of all counties nationwide do not have a psychiatrist.
“We’re excited to be part of the community,” she said, adding “Instead of setting our rates for the wealthy we are wanting to serve the community and will be getting on managed care plans (insurance provider lists) that will help the majority of people.”
Many clients are likely to come via self-referral, “Unless you’re working with teenagers referred by a guidance counselor or parent concerned about behavior,” said Cynthia, who offers individual, couples and family therapy. “I love to work with adolescents,” she said.
Greg works with children as young as five years old, adolescents and adults.
Each was drawn to their discipline through unique circumstances.
Greg Barrow was a medical resident on the path to practicing as a cardiologist.
“My friends talked me into being a psychiatrist because I was good at counseling their patients and families. “I said why don’t you counsel your own patients and they said ‘because you’re better at it,” he explained.
“I was on an Air Force scholarship for medical school and had to ask for extra time and was granted it,” said Greg, rightfully proud of his service.
“I ran a M.A.S.H. (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) unit on the front lines of the first Gulf War in 1991-1992,” he said, adding “I rose to the rank of major and received two medals, the Air Force Defense Medal and Outstanding Unit Medal. My unit treated about 800 wounded service men and women and brought everyone home safely. No-one died.”
Greg continues to treat many veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, a niche he sounds passionate about.
Cynthia Barrow said she knew what she wanted to do from the age of 16, when she took her first psychology class.
“I got an early start,” she said, adding “I started working in the field when I was 19. In college, she front loaded psychology classes to her freshman year and completed other academic requirements in the years that followed.
“My undergraduate and graduate research was in domestic violence,” she said.
“People are struggling for a variety of reasons and there are so many reasons right now,” said Cynthia.
“I want to spend time learning what their symptoms are,” she said, adding “(First is) an initial evalu