Awareness of mental health care as a key part of holistic health is growing. Even so, a lack of access to proper care and the stigma that surrounds talking about our mental health remain. In particular, Black, Indigenous, and other persons of color – as well as LGBTQIA+ populations – face stigma, structural barriers, and other unique challenges to accessing quality mental health care. It’s crucial that we continue to highlight these struggles and recognize how programs are leveraging education, understanding and advocacy to expand quality mental health care to communities that have long been overlooked and underserved.
Those who are ready to talk about their mental health with a professional might be challenged to find a health care provider who understands their experiences and what it will take to address their needs.
Thankfully, several sectors of the U.S. health care system are working on expanding access to mental health resources to underserved populations. Successful mental health programs are rooted in the common threads of education, understanding, advocacy and support. For example, CVS Health’s Here4U program is a virtual peer-support group facilitated by a licensed clinician that can be tailored for specific populations such as young adults, parents and Black and LGBTQIA+ communities. As part of the program, participants can discuss life challenges, pressing issues, and events or changes at home with their peers while learning new skills to improve their mental well-being.
It’s not just about educating people experiencing mental health struggles, however. We must educate the clinicians treating patients as well, as they often play an essential role in helping Americans address their mental health. With this in mind, Aetna introduced a four-course continuing education series for behavioral health professionals to increase their cultural and linguistic competencies. Through training and education, these providers can better equip themselves to identify mental health risk factors and engage in proactive, personalized treatment for their patients.
Read more at USNews.com.
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