Springfield IL (CAPITOL NEWS NOW) – State Rep. Lindsay LaPointe, is a licensed social worker and that is why she has a special dedication to the mental health needs of Illinois citizens.

She led a Capitol news conference on Wednesday to talk about funding for advancing mental health services in higher education.

According to studies there has been a 50 percent rise in the demand for mental health services among college age residents in Illinois over the past 10 years.

LaPointe says 60 percent of students have at least one mental health issue but only 36 percent of them receive proper treatment.

She says while young people are more willing to reach out for help these days there are not enough resources available to them.

LaPointe says navigating the available resources can be confusing and frustrating especially for someone already in need of help.

LaPointe says while legislation has passed and funds appropriated for mental health services on campus, in these tight economic times actually getting the monies is proving to be problematic.

She and others called for the state to ensure that promised funding for mental health services is delivered.