County officials in central and northern Wisconsin say they are experiencing a shortage of psychiatrists -- particularly psychiatrists who serve children.

The Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune reports that in Portage County, families are going to Appleton or Madison to find psychiatrists for adolescents. And some adults are experiencing waiting lists. In Wood County, officials are using teleconferencing for children who need to talk to a doctor. And officials are considering expanding that option to elderly patients.

Officials are working with medical schools to try to bring psychiatrists to the area. Katy Roetter, the Wood County Human Services director, says part of the problem is that medical students are finding other specialties more appealing.