Exploring cultural differences in mental health treatment
Mental and behavioral health issues are unfortunately all too common amongst American adults, with more than 1 in 5 living with a mental illness according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). While treatable, many are unable to access the resources and care that they need, due to a wide variety of issues from geographic location to social stigma.
But like with many health issues, people in racial and ethnic minority groups face more challenges than others getting mental health care. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), fewer than one in every two African American adults received behavioral health care, and Asian Americans were 60% less likely to receive mental health treatment than non-Hispanic Whites.
In recognition of both the health inequities that exist in behavioral health and National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re reflecting on an episode from our award nominated behavioral health podcast, Turning Point: Navigating Mental Health. Launched in 2021 in collaboration with Boston Globe Media, Turning Points features empowering stories of people from all walks of life navigating their mental health and well-being in the ever-evolving health landscape.
In this season three episode titled “Exploring Cultural Differences in Mental Health Treatment,” host and clinical social worker Frantzces Lys was joined by fellow experts in a roundtable discussion to explore how cultural differences shape our health journeys. They ask and answer critical questions about minority mental health care, such as:
- How do our unique identities and experiences play a role in shaping our perspectives and actions?
- How can our cultures uplift our spirits and benefit our collective health?
- What’s preventing more therapists from various cultural backgrounds from joining the field?
- How do you find a therapist who understands and respects your culture?
Listen to Turning Points to learn more about these and other topics in the world of behavioral health.