Psychologist: Mental Health Checks Won't Keep Mentally Ill From Buying Guns

DENVER (CBS4)- A clinical psychologist in the Denver metro area says the mental health background checks in President Barack Obama's order still won't keep mentally ill people from buying guns.

On Tuesday, Obama launched a final-year push with a 10-point plan to tighten sales of firearms in the U.S., using his presidential powers in the absence of tougher gun restrictions that Congress has refused to pass.

Dr. Larry Curry, a clinical psychologist. says the timeline is key.

"Although I can report on what I saw a year ago... in two months someone's situation could deteriorate," said Curry. " I can only report what I have seen up to that recent date."

The centerpiece of Obama's plan is an attempt to narrow the loophole that exempts gun sales from background checks if the seller isn't a federal registered dealer. With new federal "guidance," the administration is clarifying that even those who sell just a few weapons at gun shows, flea markets or online can be deemed dealers and required to conduct checks on prospective buyers.

"I can't say that someone is stable so I think it requires a more recent evaluation that this person has been seen and they're deemed to be safe and not a harm to others," said Curry.

Obama is also asking the government to research smart gun technology to reduce accidental shootings and asking Congress for $500 million to improve mental health care. Other provisions aim to better track lost or stolen guns and prevent trusts or corporations from buying dangerous weapons without background checks.

Curry says expanding the same mental health checks that are currently in place for gun buyers in Colorado will expose have drastically underfunded the mental health system is.

"It's that whole issue of Pandora's Box, it's not just buying weapons. Once we've identified them, what are we going to do for them?" asked Curry.