A new study has found that Long Islanders can often face problems getting treatment for mental illnesses and addiction.

North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center in Roslyn Heights recently conducted the study. It found that there are not enough health care providers for people who battle mental illness and addiction.

Mental health advocates and several elected officials gathered Monday to discuss the study's findings.

Kerry Eller says her sister battles mental illness and addiction. She says her family has struggled to find her sister the care she needs.

"When a loved one is in pain and suffering, the entire family suffers," Eller says. "It was heartbreaking to endure one failed phone call after another."

Advocates and local officials now plan to reach out to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office and the state Department of Financial Services to demand an investigation on the findings, in hopes of obtaining new ways to provide patients with affordable, timely and appropriate care.