Thus, by examining the legislation and studies analyzing disparities in access, we found gaps that include a lack of systematic data tracking and research, shortcomings in implementation of culturally sensitive evidence-informed treatments, and less funding focus on preventative/outreach services. Despite significant mental health policies enacted on the federal and North Carolina state level, gaps in accessible community mental health services persist for minoritized communities. Racial and ethnic minoritized uninsured populations in the United States face the greatest barriers to accessing mental healthcare. Community-based mental health care brings services closer to where people live, work, study and connect. When mental health services truly reflect the needs of diverse Increasing EMDR access for BIPOC individuals communities, more people will get the help they deserve.
- Many people never seek mental health care simply because they don’t know where to start.
- Once staff are certified to deliver the EBIs, outcome measures to be assessed include those at the level of the client (clinical effectiveness, impact of financial wellness package); service (safety, equity, efficiency, timeliness); and implementation (acceptability, feasibility, access, uptake, quality, fidelity, sustainability, cost).
- You can try to let the mental health professional know if you are not comfortable with the interpreter for any reason, for example, you are part of the same community and you do not want to tell them sensitive information.
- By working together, we can ensure that every community becomes a place where everyone not only belongs but also thrives.
Discrimination and inequality negatively impact both the mental and physical health of individuals. States making their own decisions about the enactment of mental health policies resulted in varied and disjointed systems. When diversity is celebrated, and every member feels valued, the cultural, social, and even economic fabric of the community is strengthened. This increased self-sufficiency and confidence naturally lead to stronger social connections, as individuals feel more comfortable engaging in their community and forming meaningful relationships. Youth services play a critical role in early inclusion for younger individuals.
Making mental health care services more accessible
Inaccessible CMHCs heavily impact communities of color, specifically Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Latine populations. Historically, systems of care in the U.S. were set up using inadequate evidence at the federal, state, and local levels, driving inequities in access to quality care for minoritized populations. Task-sharing addresses workforce shortages, expands access and frees up specialists to focus on complex cases. With mental health firmly on the agenda at the UN General Assembly High-Level Meetings in New York this September, mental health is receiving the global attention it deserves. That means breaking language barriers, considering cultural perspectives, addressing affordability, and actively working to reduce systemic inequities. Emotional well-being support should feel accessible, relevant, and safe for everyone, regardless of background.
Clinical effectiveness and cultural capability
But for members of ethnic and racial minority groups, the road to treatment is often blocked by cultural views of mental illness and therapy, lack of insurance and access to appropriate care, and a critical deficiency of studies pertaining to nonwhite populations. Behavioral Health Equity is the right to access quality health care for all populations regardless of the individual’s race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or geographical location. Integrating culturally competent care, improving access and affordability, building trust, and engaging with communities are crucial steps in promoting equity and healing for all our clients. To effectively support the mental health of racial and ethnic minority groups, it is essential to recognize and address the specific barriers they face. Cultural competence refers to healthcare that considers an individual’s cultural and faith-based needs and values.
Even if an institution is resistant to change and unwilling to offer adequate support, fellows can create networks, connections, and resources in order to sustain a program and keep fellows motivated and supported. Building an educational program centered on social determinants and community engagement, Horne said, requires educational institutions to be on board and to be ready for change. Early in his social work career, Nguyen worked at a summer camp for children with emotional and behavioral disorders, and he met a camper who spoke Vietnamese. Having been raised in a bicultural, bilingual world brought him into the helping professions, he said, and an interaction at summer camp showed him that he had unique capacities to bring to his work.
Scaling up support for all
The start of federal community mental health policy began with the Community Mental Health Act (Public Law 88–164) which helped develop the initial infrastructure of the CMHCs we know today (Erickson, 2021). Keywords for both searches included “mental health” and “behavioral health.” Titles were screened to ensure that they were relevant to health. Therefore, we use North Carolina mental health policies as a case study to begin to understand how federal legislation leaves gaps for states to fill which if not fully done, can specifically harm communities that have the greatest need. Due to the various funding mechanisms, individuals who have Medicaid, are underinsured, or uninsured can receive services for free or on a sliding scale at CMHCs, though free/reduced service options are not consistent across states and even differ between CMHCs within the same state (Adams, 2023; Snowden & Thomas, 2000). This transition demands financial and strategic investment, careful planning, a committed health work force, and the meaningful involvement of long-stay residents, their families and communities. To reduce suffering, uphold human rights, improve access and quality, and move towards universal health coverage, we must reimagine mental health systems from the ground up.
