Closing the Divide in Mental Health Disparities
There has been a growing recognition of the critical need for accessible and effective mental health services, particularly among adolescents. Adolescence marks a pivotal period of development characterized by rapid physical, emotional, social, and cognitive changes. As our awareness of mental health issues during this stage has grown, so has the recognition of the significant disparities in access to and utilization of critical services. Many of the disparities we see fall along race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. From stigma and lack of awareness to systemic inequalities in healthcare, understanding and addressing these disparities is essential for ensuring that all adolescents have access to the support and resources necessary for their mental well-being.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities
- Unaddressed behavioral health disorders
- 5% of Black adults and 6.8% of Hispanic adults are less likely to receive mental health treatment compared to white adults at 18.6% (SAMHSA).
- Adolescents aged 12-17 with any mental illness was higher among Hispanic adolescents (39.1%) compared to Black (32.7%) and white (30.2%) adolescents (NIMH).
Socioeconomic Disparities
- Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face significant barriers to accessing mental health care. In 2020, 35.5% of adolescents aged 12-17 from families with annual incomes below the federal poverty level received mental health services, compared to 51.2% of those from families with incomes at or above the poverty level (SAMHSA).
- Lack of insurance coverage contributes to disparities in mental health care access. Uninsured individuals are less likely to receive mental health treatment compared to those with insurance coverage (The Kaiser Family Foundation).
Geographic Disparities
- Rural communities often face shortages of mental health professionals, which limits the access to care for residents. Individuals living in rural areas are less likely to receive mental health treatment than those in urban areas (NIMH).
- Telehealth has been used to help bridge some of the mental health care gaps, especially in rural communities, though challenges remain due to access to technology and limited internet connectivity in rural areas.
- Though percentages vary, it is estimated that on average, a rural resident will need to travel 50 miles to reach the nearest mental health care provider.
Addressing these disparities requires a multi-point approach that includes increasing access to care, reducing the stigma of getting help for one’s mental health, promoting culturally competent services, and addressing social determinants of health.
Acknowledging these disparities isn’t enough. it is important to begin thinking about how to find solutions to fixing them, both at the local level and national level.
Enhanced Access to Care
- It is vital to extend mental health services in underserved areas through strategies like telehealth, mobile clinics, and community-based programs. This can help reach populations who currently have limited access due to both geographic and economic barriers.
Culturally Competent/Responsive Care
- It is important for trained mental health professionals to understand the many distinct cultures in their practice and address how cultural differences might influence care delivery. This can help improve trust and have positive outcomes among diverse populations.
Integrated Care Models
- Integrating mental health services into primary care settings can help improve access and reduce the stigma around mental health services. Through an integrated care model, mental health needs can be identified much earlier and treated more effectively.
Education and Awareness
- Increasing public awareness about mental health challenges and available resources can help reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek help.
Policy and Advocacy
- Paying attention to and advocating for policies surrounding mental health, especially those that encourage mental health services to be covered by health insurance and support safe community policing and protection.
Community Support Programs
- Investing in community-based programs can help provide support, education, and resources for individuals with mental health challenges. This can help lower feelings of isolation and improve overall well-being.
Tips for Parents
Parents, talking to teens about mental health can be delicate but crucial. Here are some tips to help you navigate this conversation effectively:
- Normalize the Conversation: Just like we discuss physical health, let your teen know that it’s not just okay, but important, to talk about mental health and any concerns that they have.
- Create a Safe Space: Your teen won’t talk if they fear judgement or punishment. Open up about ways that you can support them and be respectful of these conversations in the media or in the community.
- Lead by Example: Model healthy behaviors by taking care of your own mental health and talk to your teens about the strategies you use, including what works and what doesn’t.
- Use Everyday Opportunities: Incorporate mental health conversations into everyday activities, like during car rides or while cooking together. Casual settings can make discussions feel less intimidating.
- Listen Actively: When your teen does share thoughts and feelings, avoid interrupting or dismissing their experience. Validate their emotions and let them know you hear them.
- Educate Without Pressure: Provide information about mental health but avoid pressuring them to share more than they’re comfortable with.
- Highlight the Importance of Self-Care: Encourage your teen to prioritize activities that bring them joy and relaxation.
- Monitor Changes in Behavior: Pay attention to changes in your teen’s behavior, such as sudden mood swings, social withdrawal, or academic struggles. These could be signs of underlying mental health issues that need addressing.
- Offer Supportive Resources: Share information about mental health resources available to them, such as school counselors, hotlines, or online support groups. Let them know it’s okay to seek professional help when needed.
- Check-in Regularly: Schedule regular check-ins with your teen to discuss how they’re feeling and coping. These conversations don’t have to be formal; even a simple “How are you doing?” can open the door for meaningful dialogue.
Remember, building trust and maintaining open communication are key. Encourage your teen to express themselves authentically and show them that their mental health matters to you.
Resources
American Psychiatric Association. “APA.” https://www.psychiatry.org/
Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org/.
National Institute of Mental Health. “NIMH.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “SAMHSA.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.samhsa.gov/
