Nearly one in five adults in the United States suffers from a mental health or behavioral health disorder. While white adults and BIPOC adults have similar rates of illness, mental health disorders are more likely to be longer-lasting and have more severe consequences for adults in the BIPOC community. The main reason for this is the disparity between the two groups in receiving mental health services, with far fewer Black and Latinx Americans receiving treatment than whites. Because of the potentially devastating effects of mental illness, it is important that all people suffering from mental health disorders receive the treatment they need.
Causes of Racial Disparities in Mental Health Services
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the number one reason that people don’t seek out mental health services is “service cost or lack of insurance coverage.” This disproportionately affects BIPOC adults who are statistically less likely to be insured.
Other causes of racial disparities in mental and behavioral health services include:
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- Stigmas against mental illness in certain communities
- Lack of cultural understanding among health care providers
- Language barriers between providers and patients
Helping Everyone Succeed
Despite these barriers, there are many resources available to BIPOC individuals who wish to seek mental health services. An increasing number of inclusive therapists, who are sensitive to cultural differences, have begun practicing. Many BIPOC communities also offer specific mental health services for members of the community. In addition, apps such as The Safe Place or Liberate are specifically geared towards the mental health needs of the BIPOC community.
Contact Ketamine Greater Boston
If you’ve decided to seek help, talk therapy and medication are great tools for getting your mental health back on track. Another option is ketamine therapy, a safe and effective treatment that has had great results for people who are treatment-resistant to other therapies.
Contact Ketamine Greater Boston today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
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