More than 30 years ago, Doug Witt wanted to change reality, so he launched a career as a psychologist.

Today Witt has learned he can’t change the harsh realities of dwindling state and national financial support for the mental health field.

Doug Witt, clinical director at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, 200 Maine, is retiring after 29 years of service. His future plans include teaching and enjoying the outdoors camping.

And that’s one reason after this week he will retire as clinical director at the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center.

“It all comes down to why I went into this field to begin with,” Witt said. “The direction we are moving due to financial scarcity and public policy does not provide opportunities for me to apply my professional skills to the best advantage in an administrative program.”

Witt, 57, also said retirement beckoned because he became eligible for state retirement benefits and because he wanted to take better care of his health.

Witt has been clinical director at Bert Nash the past three years. He has had a variety of positions with the center since his first job in 1973 as adult services director. At different times he also has been coordinator of court, children and outpatient services.

Treating people with mental illnesses while allowing them to continue living in the community has been one of the biggest advances in the mental health field during his career, Witt said. New medication has made that possible.

Despite financial pressures, Witt said the future of Bert Nash is solid because of its good statewide reputation and successes with patients. Community status also helps, he said.

“I think Lawrence and Douglas County have done well in supporting mental health,” Witt said.

Bert Nash’s ties to Kansas University are another plus, Witt said. The two have worked together on research-based programs and mental-health training.

Michael Roberts, professor and director of development at KU’s family services programs, has worked closely with Witt.

“He is a real people person,” Roberts said. “His whole focus is away from himself and toward interaction with others. He has to deal with multiple agencies, and he calms things down just with his presence.”

Ron Hurst, chairman of the Bert Nash board of directors, said Witt will be missed.

“Someone with his experience isn’t easily replaced,” Hurst said.

No replacement has been hired for Witt’s position.

Witt said he is looking forward to camping trips and other travels. He said he also intends to continue teaching psychology courses at KU and will do private consulting.

A reception for Witt will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday in Bert Nash’s second-floor meeting rooms.