Local Psychologist Professor Receives County Mental Health Service Award

Dr. Douglas Sanders received the Frank W. Masterson Distinguished Services Award in a November ceremony presented by the Orange County Department of Mental Health in partnership with Garnet Health and the Mental Health Association in Orange County. The award recognizes Sanders for more than 20 years of teaching in SUNY Orange's Behavioral Sciences Department and his ongoing clinical work at the Rockland Psychiatric Center Middletown campus and the Middletown Mental Health Clinic.

Sanders holds a dual role that crosses classroom and clinic, preparing students for careers in behavioral health while providing direct care to patients within the county system of care. He said, "I am very honored to receive this award, and have incredible gratitude to my family, colleagues, clients, and students." The citation emphasizes exemplary contributions to the county system of care, honoring professionals whose work improves access, continuity, and quality of mental health services for residents.

For Orange County, the award highlights the public health importance of clinician educators who address workforce shortages and clinical training needs. Faculty who maintain active clinical practices provide real world experience to a new generation of clinicians, strengthen local treatment capacity, and help connect academic programs with community providers. Those links matter in a region where timely access to outpatient care, crisis response, and integrated services can determine whether people receive sustained support or fall through gaps in the system.

The recognition also casts light on systemic issues affecting mental health care, including the need for sustained funding for community clinics, investment in clinical education, and policies that support retention of licensed professionals. Strengthening partnerships between colleges, hospitals, and community mental health organizations can reduce barriers to care and improve outcomes for residents who face transportation challenges, socioeconomic barriers, or stigma around seeking help.

By honoring a practitioner who is also an educator, Orange County leaders signal that long term improvements in mental health require both service delivery and training. The award draws attention to the human infrastructure that keeps local systems functioning, and to the continuing policy choices that will determine whether clinics and classrooms alike can meet rising needs in the years ahead.