DepCor's clinical psychologist calls it quits

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The Department of Corrections is looking for a new clinical psychologist.  Dr. Andrea Leitheiser chose not to continue her contract. DepCor director Joe San Agustin says the clinical psychologist was overwhelmed and burnt out.  For the last several years, Dr, Leitheiser has helped provide mental assessments and treatment to the 800+ inmates and detainees at the agency. 

She had previously expressed concerns about with access to medical and mental health care at the department. San Agustin says the department is actively searching to fill the void but is working with the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center to address immediate mental health needs, adding, "We are also preparing to advertise for a clinical psychologist to come on board at DOC. We're aggressively working with my ASO and DOA to put an announcement out."

San Agustin says the department's medical care is still one of the outstanding issues of a decades old consent decree. DepCor currently only has one doctor and two nurses. The department is looking to hire two more nurses and a records clerk to help augment.