Racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual minorities often face different mental health outcomes. From inaccessibility to health care services, to cultural stigmas and discrimination, many minority individuals encounter disparities when it comes to mental health. Therefore, it is essential to consider the importance of diversity in terms of mental health care.
Statistically, individuals from racial or ethnic minority groups are less likely to receive mental health care. According to the American Psychological Association, among adults with any mental illness in the U.S., 48% of white individuals received mental health services, compared with 31% black and Hispanic individuals, and 22% of Asian individuals.
“Human experiences are diverse, and a ‘one size fits all’ approach does not adequately address the unique barriers or problems faced by marginalized communities,” shares Michael Perino, Compliance Specialist and member of the Racial Equality and Social Justice Coalition at Oaks Integrated Care. He adds, “Diversity among mental health care staff can help ensure that diverse communities find representation in the people that serve them.”
Many factors can impact the access of minority communities to treatment or support. In 2023, only 13% of children from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds with mental health problems receive mental health services. Some barriers to care include:
- Lack of insurance
- Stigma among mental illness
- Lack of culturally competent mental health care providers
- Language barriers
- Distrust in the healthcare system
A diverse mental health workforce, as well as provider and patient education, are crucial to eliminating mental health care disparities. In order to combat these disparities, a great emphasis should be placed on culturally competent services (incorporating and appropriately responding to language barriers, as well as diverse traditions, values, and beliefs).
According to Diana Belton, Subsidy Manager and Racial Equality and Social Justice Coalition member at Oaks Integrated Care, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation hold a significant impact on mental health. She explains, “If a provider is not taking oppression and trauma of their clients into consideration, and if they are not educating themselves on these identifiers, clients may not make movement from the healing process and may actually become discouraged from seeking help from any provider.”
Oaks Integrated Care understands the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion for mental health care. If you or a loved one are struggling, Oaks offers caring, compassionate programs for adults, children and families living with a mental illness. Our programs throughout New Jersey give individuals the opportunity to make healthy choices, stabilize symptoms of illness and eventually reach his or her full potential. To learn more about Oaks services or schedule an appointment, take the first step and call our Access Center at 1-800-963-3377.
