Mental health care has become an urgent topic of focus, especially after the onset of Covid, when people’s mental health deteriorated due to social isolation. According to a study conducted by CVS Health and Morning Consult, approximately 56% of Americans feel that society has become more ready to participate in mental health care discussions (Khaldun & McNulty, 2022). However, due to past bias that affects mental healthcare, individuals of historically underserved communities frequently find it challenging to participate in this discourse. This essay explores some topics that have caught my attention in the field by focusing on a specific group and clinical diagnosis. The paper also covers my goals as a DNP student and how I intend to reduce mental healthcare disparities in marginalized communities.
I am interested in exploring young adults’ mental health issues in marginalized areas, particularly those experiencing depression. People of all ages, races, and socioeconomic statuses are susceptible to developing depression, whose effects go well beyond the individual and permeate all levels of society. To lessen the impact of depression and enhance this population’s mental health, practitioners must understand and address various challenges. This group faces challenges accessing mental healthcare owing to variables such as their socioeconomic status, their cultural norms, and location (Khaldun & McNulty, 2022). Thus, this marginalized group is less likely to access evidence-based therapies because of barriers such as lack of insurance coverage, stigma, and limited availability of community-based interventions.
To that end, I plan to use my DNP education and expertise to advocate for and expand access to mental health services for my interest group. According to CVS Health Care Insights Report, the expense of medical treatment is a common obstacle to accessing mental health among underserved populations (Khaldun & McNulty, 2022). DNPs can help those who cannot pay for treatment get the care they need if they push for laws to enhance insurance coverage for mental health disorders such as depression. Additionally, community-based interventions are crucial in reducing mental healthcare inequalities since they provide accessible and affordable services. Thus, I want to create and execute programs targeting marginalized communities’ specific needs in terms of mental health awareness, early intervention, and support networks by working with local groups, healthcare practitioners, and other stakeholders. Lastly, a persistent stigma surrounding mental health issues in marginalized communities causes people to shy away from seeking professional help in hospitals. Therefore, my goal is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage people to get help in a timely manner through workshops, community events, and focused outreach.
To improve this population group’s access to mental healthcare through funding, developing a holistic strategy based on specific variables impeding effective mental healthcare is vital. Fortunately, various American healthcare institutions and stakeholders are making efforts to improve marginalized communities’ access to mental health services. For instance, the Here4U peer-support program employs a licensed therapist and can be adapted to meet the needs of various groups, including young adults, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community (Khaldun & McNulty, 2022). Such instances indicate that to close the funding gaps, DNPs must work with healthcare providers, government officials, and community leaders to create programs tailored to the needs of those currently underserved. As a DNP, I should advocate for policies that emphasize the significance of mental healthcare, boost funding, and decrease existing inequalities in the field. Thus, I must engage in policy discussions and collaborate with healthcare advocacy groups to influence relevant legislation.
References
Khaldun, J., & McNulty, C. (2022). Overlooked and Underserved: Promoting Mental Health Equity in Marginalized Communities. US NEWS. https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2022-11-15/overlooked-and-underserved-promoting-mental-health-equity-in-marginalized-communities
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