Mental health affects people of every race, background, and culture. But access to mental health care is not equal for everyone.
For many Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, getting access to care can be more difficult, preventing people from reaching out for help when they need it most.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the prevalence of mental illness is highest among multiracial (25.5%) and American Indian/Alaska Native (25.9%) communities. Treatment rates also differ by race and ethnicity. Hispanic/Latino adults (44.15) and Black adults (38.5%) with mental illness are less likely to receive treatment than White adults. The gap is even wider among youth.
When people cannot access care, mental health challenges may become more difficult to manage. And when communities have experienced stigma or negative interactions with healthcare systems, asking for help can feel even harder.
Barriers to Mental Health Access
Many barriers to access aren’t exclusive to BIPOC, but they’re more significant because of broader social and economic inequities. These challenges can make it harder for individuals and families to begin care, stay connected to services, or find a provider who understands their needs. Common obstacles include:
- No health insurance or limited coverage
- High out-of-pocket costs
- Employment and income inequality
- Lack of transportation
- Limited providers and appointment availability
- Language barriers
- Difficulty finding culturally responsive care
The Impact of Culture and History
There are cultural and historical factors that don’t necessarily affect availability, but they certainly affect whether people feel safe, respected and understood when they seek care.
For many BIPOC communities, a history of systemic discrimination and unequal treatment has contributed to mistrust and apprehension.
Representation also matters. The American Psychological Association reports that 86% of providers in the United States are White. The lack of BIPOC representation often creates a lack of understanding of the client’s lived experience, as well as language barriers in some communities. Both can lead to misdiagnosis or a person choosing not to continue care.
Keys to Closing the Gap Between Mental Health Needs and Access
The first step to closing the gap is recognizing that inequities exist. Then steps can be taken to:
- Make mental health services more affordable.
- Increase mental health provider diversity.
- Address language barriers.
- Provide education about mental health conditions and services and build trust in underserved communities and marginalized populations.
- Offer cultural competency training for providers to acknowledge a history of discrimination and mistrust, and to understand different cultures and experiences. Culturally competent care recognizes that each person brings their own story, identity and family experience into the healing process.
Oaks Integrated Care embraces the unique culture, lived experience, history, and stories of every individual. We celebrate diversity, inclusion, and equality among our employees and the people we serve. All are welcome here. To schedule an appointment at Oaks, call 1-800-963-3377.
Want to help Stop the Stigma in BIPOC communities? Join the movement and sign the pledge today.
