SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego County is investing $75 million to address a growing shortage of mental health workers, a shortage that has left some residents waiting months to receive care.

For recent graduates like David Valencia, the challenges of entering the mental health field begin long before they start working with clients.

Valencia, who recently earned his degree in marriage and family therapy from San Diego State University, said he nearly dropped out because of the financial strain.

“One of the first things I remember in orientation was they told us, ‘don’t schedule out a vacation,’” Valencia said. “It was so demanding it took me away from family, from friends and I quit my job to stay in the program.”

The program’s workload made it nearly impossible for him to work, fo

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