scholarly journals Challenges and Opportunities to Meet the Mental Health Needs of Underserved and Disenfranchised Populations in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Mongelli ◽  
Penelope Georgakopoulos ◽  
Michele T. Pato
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

Delivering Psychological Services to Refugees Resettled in the United States

2019 ◽  
pp. 165-183
Author(s):  
Johanna E. Nilsson ◽  
Sally Stratmann ◽  
Aurora Molitoris ◽  
Marcella A. Beaumont ◽  
Jessica Horine
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
The United States ◽  
Psychological Services ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
The Status

Approximately 25 million refugees have fled their homelands internationally, and about 3 million have been resettled in the United States. The mental health needs of a population that has fled oppression, violence, and instability are diverse. This chapter seeks to provide a holistic overview of these needs. The introduction covers what defines the status of a refugee, current resettlement policies, and pre- and post-migration experiences and concerns among refugees, including barriers to basic services. Effective mental health treatment options and areas of competence for mental health professionals working with these individuals are discussed, along with future considerations for best meeting the mental health needs of refugees.

scholarly journals Voices: Exploring the Experiences of Non-Mental Health Professionals Working with Mexican Immigrants Affected by Deportation

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Lopez ◽  
Ioana Boie
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mexican Immigrants ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Insight Into

With large numbers of immigrants living in the United States and a recent increase in deportations, it is imperative that mental health professionals are aware of the implications involved in working with immigrants affected by deportation. The perspectives of non-mental health professionals working with immigrants are valuable in providing insight into the complexity of issues encountered when working with this population. The participants discussed perceptions, reactions, perceived mental health needs, and recommendations for working with Mexican immigrants.

scholarly journals The Mental Health Implications of Living in the Shadows: The Lived Experience and Coping Strategies of Undocumented African Migrant Women

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwatoyin Olukotun ◽  
Kaboni Gondwe ◽  
Lucy Mkandawire-Valhmu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Migrant Women ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
African Migrant ◽  
And Coping

In the United States, undocumented immigrants often encounter complex challenges that impact their emotional well-being. Existing literature has primarily focused on Latino immigrants. Thus, little is known about the mental health needs of undocumented African immigrant women. To address this gap, we examined the stressors, mental health concerns and coping strategies of undocumented African migrant women in the United States. This qualitative study used a postcolonial feminist framework approach. Twenty-four undocumented African migrant women were interviewed, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings showed that the women dealt with complex stressors created by the sociopolitical environment. These stressors contributed to feelings of depression and anxiety which they coped with using social support and religion. The results uncover the need for culturally relevant tools for screening and addressing the mental health needs of undocumented women and increased awareness amongst healthcare providers on how social context and policies adversely impact the mental health of marginalized groups. Lastly, at a structural level, the need for policy and social change that fosters an inclusive and safe environment for undocumented persons.

scholarly journals A Scoping Review of Literature About Mental Health and Well-Being Among Immigrant Communities in the United States

2020 ◽  
pp. 152483992094251
Author(s):  
Darlene Xiomara Rodriguez ◽  
Jessica Hill ◽  
Paul N. McDaniel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Immigrant Communities ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Health And Well Being

Immigration—both the experience of migrating and events after migration—can affect the mental health and well-being of immigrants and their communities. However, evidence suggests that immigrants in the United States do not access mental health services to the same extent as nonimmigrants. In particular, immigrant adolescents and young adults may have unique stressors related to their developmental stage, experiences in school and with peer groups, and shifting roles within family systems. This scoping review summarizes findings from published research studies and practitioner-focused gray literature about the mental health needs of immigrant communities in the United States. The review finds that specific mental health needs vary across factors like age, racial/ethnic group, immigration status, and place of residency. Findings also indicate that structural factors like immigration-related laws affect both access to mental health services and stressors in the overall environment for immigrants and their families. This review also explores models of community-level initiatives that utilize strengths-based approaches to promoting mental health and well-being among immigrant communities. Findings highlight the need for a better understanding of the mental health needs and current barriers to care among diverse immigrant populations, as immigration continues to play a major role in U.S. public policy and discourse. The COVID-19 pandemic taking place as this article goes to press in 2020 also raises questions regarding health equity and access for marginalized populations, including immigrants and their communities, and so these findings also indicate the need for further interdisciplinary research to assess intersections among the pandemic’s many impacts, including those related to mental health and well-being.

scholarly journals Mental Health Counselors’ Perceptions of Rural Women Clients

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-101
Author(s):  
Lisbeth A. Leagjeld ◽  
Phillip L. Waalkes ◽  
Maribeth F. Jorgensen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Counselors ◽  
Women Clients ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Structured Interviews

Researchers have frequently described rural women as invisible, yet at 28 million, they represent over half of the rural population in the United States. We conducted a transcendental phenomenological study using semi-structured interviews and artifacts to explore 12 Midwestern rural-based mental health counselors’ experiences counseling rural women through a feminist lens. Overall, we found eight themes organized under two main categories: (a) perceptions of work with rural women (e.g., counselors’ sense of purpose, a rural heritage, a lack of training for work with rural women, and the need for additional research); and (b) perceptions of rural women and mental health (e.g., challenges, resiliency, protective factors, and barriers to mental health services for rural women). We offer specific implications for counselors to address the unique mental health needs of rural women, including hearing their stories through their personal lenses and offering them opportunities for empowerment at their own pace.

Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Perspectives of Mental Health Practices With Clients in Stroke Rehabilitation

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily K. Simpson ◽  
Narissa M. Ramirez ◽  
Brittany Branstetter ◽  
Aileen Reed ◽  
Evan Lines
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Mental Health Practices

Following a stroke, depression and anxiety may negatively affect recovery and decrease quality of life. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are distinctly qualified to address both the physical and psychosocial sequelae of a stroke, including clients’ mental and emotional health. This study explored the ways in which OT practitioners address the mental health needs of clients post stroke. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was used to collect both survey and focus group data. In all, 754 OT practitioners across the United States completed an online survey, and 10 practitioners participated in focus groups. Practitioners considered their clients’ mental health needs to be a priority (68.17%); however, only 56.64% were satisfied with the care they provided related to mental and emotional health. They identified barriers that included limited time, increased productivity standards, expectations related to physical recovery, and poor educational preparation. Practitioners are motivated to improve their provision of mental health services to clients post stroke. To address the conflict between practice realities and professional values, education programs should better integrate curricular components that focus on physical and mental health.

Living through war: Mental health of children and youth in conflict-affected areas

2019 ◽  
Vol 101 (911) ◽  
pp. 481-506
Author(s):  
Rochelle L. Frounfelker ◽  
Nargis Islam ◽  
Joseph Falcone ◽  
Jordan Farrar ◽  
Chekufa Ra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychosocial Development ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Basic Needs ◽  
Psychosocial Impact ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Supportive Environments

AbstractChildren in armed conflict are frequently deprived of basic needs, psychologically supportive environments, educational and vocational opportunities, and other resources that promote positive psychosocial development and mental health. This article describes the mental health challenges faced by conflict-affected children and youth, the interventions designed to prevent or ameliorate the psychosocial impact of conflict-related experiences, and a case example of the challenges and opportunities related to addressing the mental health needs of Rohingya children and youth.

scholarly journals Real-World Technology Use Among People With Mental Illnesses: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Carpenter-Song ◽  
Valerie A Noel ◽  
Stephanie C Acquilano ◽  
Robert E Drake
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Real World ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Recovery ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Settings

BACKGROUND There is growing interest in using technology-based tools to support mental health recovery. Yet, despite evidence suggesting widespread access to technology among people with mental illnesses, interest in using technology to support mental health, and effectiveness of technology-based tools developed by researchers, such tools have not been widely adopted within mental health settings. Little is currently known about how mental health consumers are using technology to address mental health needs in real-world settings outside of controlled research studies. OBJECTIVE This qualitative study examined current practices and orientations toward technology among consumers in 3 mental health settings in the United States. METHODS Ethnographic observations and semistructured interviews were conducted. Observations focused on if and how technology was salient within the setting and documented relevant behaviors, interactions, and dialogue in fieldnotes. Ethnographic data informed the development of a semistructured interview that inquired into technology use and interest among consumers (n=15) in a community mental health setting. Fieldnotes and interview transcripts were reviewed and coded by multiple researchers. Key concepts and patterns identified were refined by the research team to develop the main findings. RESULTS Ownership of technology, although common, was not ubiquitous and was varied across the sites. Participants had varying levels of awareness regarding the key capabilities of modern technologies. Participants used technology for many purposes, but there was limited evidence of technology use to support mental health. Technology-based tools specific to mental health were not routinely used, although some participants found widely available mobile apps to be helpful in recovery. CONCLUSIONS Qualitative findings suggest that many, but not all, clients will be interested in using technology to support mental health needs. The variability in type and quality of technology owned by participants suggests the need to design for a range of functionality in the development of mental health tools. Findings also suggest thinking broadly about using existing platforms and widely available tools to support consumers in mental health recovery.

Working with Forced Migrants: Therapeutic Issues and Considerations for Mental Health Counselors

2012 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeyinka Akinsulure-Smith ◽  
Maile O'Hara
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Counselors ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
The Social ◽  
Forced Migrants ◽  
Therapeutic Services

The number of forced migrants arriving in the United States continues to increase. To provide effective therapeutic services and interventions for them, it is important for clinicians to understand the unique role that mental health professionals can play in improving the mental health of this diverse population. This article draws attention to the mental health needs of forced migrants and highlights considerations, such as medical, social, legal, cultural, and linguistic factors, that providing services to this population may entail. It also suggests ways in which counselors can actively, competently, and ethically address the social justice issues that impact forced migrants.

'Measuring Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools: Challenges and opportunities' Prof Miranda Wolpert

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Memorial Lecture ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Recorded Lecture ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

Recorded on 16 June 2017 at 'The Jack Tizard Memorial Lecture and Conference; Public mental health for children and young people: addressing mental health needs in schools and communities'. ACAMH members can now receive a CPD certificate for watching this recorded lecture.

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