Human Resource Management HUMN RESOURCES WEEK 6 ASSIGNMENT REVISION

The Problem of Mental Health Disparities

i. Socio-economic Trends, Trauma, and Discrimination

ii. Disapproval from the Family and Absence of the Social Support

Besides unique stressors like discrimination and harassment, those who engage in LGBTQ+ lifestyles also deal with disapproval from family and lack of social support: such issues can embed thicker layers into their mental capital struggles (Wolff et al., 2023). Culturally competent mental health care services for these groups seem few and far between, only heightening the difficulties posed by these very issues. Besides, Nunez-Rivera (2023) pointed out that although these risks have increased, the access to specific mental health services for LGBTQ+ persons remains very limited, with a minority of the LGBTQ+ population availing of such services due to geographical and systemic barriers.

Barriers to Mental Health Access

a. Absence of Specific Services for Mental Healthcare

This access to specialized mental health services is poor among marginalized youth despite the increasing demand. According to Nunez-Rivera (2023), those identifying under the LGBTQ+ umbrella face additional challenges in accessing care because of the absence of specific services for their mental health care. Culturally competent and trained providers to serve marginalized communities are not available in many places. Such barriers in the system disallow these youth from receiving proper emotional help from their families Wolff et al. (2023). The effects can negatively affect healthy mental functioning and development for years. Access to particular services becomes more difficult due to the stigma attached to mental health care in underprivileged communities.

b. The Absence of the Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage, as it stands, is unfortunately denying many poor youth who want to seek treatment or continue to go for it. This deprives them of the chance to take care of their psychological problems. In line with what Al-Tamimi and Leavey (2021) have stated, community-based interventions are the best solutions for areas with care deprivation that have conflict-torn spaces or are low-income countries.

Solutions to Address the Mental Health Disparities

a) Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)

The incorporation of trauma-informed care (TIC) into mental health services represents a very equitable means by which to resolve these disparities. It emphasizes the creation of a context of maximum safety, trust, and support for people who have undergone trauma. The proposals by Goldstein et al. (2024) is that TIC is invaluable tool towards enhancement of the outcomes with marginalized youth. It helps in tackling the underlying causes of problems associated with trauma and discrimination in relation to psychiatric health. The development of TIC-supported spaces helps in the reduction of risk of re-traumatization while supporting suitable care access. The whole promising approach creates services that are just more attuned to the needs of the historically marginalized and would foster better engagement of these individuals within the mainstream mental health services themselves. The argument of the authors is that successful implementation of TIC demands for clarity on definitions, settings, and staining of staff and provides towards development of a conducive environments for the healing process.

b) The Expanding Access to Telepsychiatry and Community-Based Measures

Telepsychiatry and community-based interventions to make mental health services salient are another avenue to facilitating access for deserving persons. According to Mongelli et al. (2020), telepsychiatry is a good remedy to circumvent geographical and logistical barriers to care for the youth living in rural or underserved settings. The emphasis on remote care means these youths can consult their mental health professionals unencumbered by the obstacles of travel, stigma, or an absence of local providers. In preserving a climate of neighborliness and connection within the familiar environment, community-based interventions can arguably enhance mental health outcomes. These focused interventions thus enhance accessibility and responsiveness to the mental health needs of marginalized youth. As mentioned by Al-Tamimi and Leavey (2021), community-based interventions have already been successful in addressing the mental health needs of low-resourced youth living in conflict areas present in those countries. Consequently, they offer the required help a culturally suitable process, as well as being readily accessible.

Conclusions

Preexisting aggravations to unequal mental health conditions among marginalized youth existing in the face another social and economic complexion, discrimination, and access to care. All were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which subjected people in marginalized communities to further trauma and stress. Trauma-informed care as an intervention, coupled with extended telepsychiatry services, is encouraging in closing existing gaps by increasing access to culturally competent care. Limiting access to mental health services for marginalized youth with intentionality in settings that support these groups helps lessen gaps in care and assure positive outcomes for all youth, regardless of differing backgrounds. Continued efforts in alleviating challenges in this connection should guarantee improved outcomes in mental health for the communities in question.

References

Al-Tamimi, S. A. G. A., & Leavey, G. (2021). Community-Based Interventions for the Treatment and Management of Conflict-Related Trauma in Low-Middle Income, Conflict-Affected Countries: a Realist Review. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 15(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-021-00373-x

Berring, L. L., Holm, T., Hansen, J. P., Delcomyn, C. L., Søndergaard, R., & Hvidhjelm, J. (2024). Implementing Trauma-Informed Care—Settings, Definitions, Interventions, Measures, and Implementation across Settings: A Scoping Review. Healthcare, 12(9), 908. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12090908

Goldstein, E., Chokshi, B., Melendez-Torres, G., Rios, A., Jelley, M., & Lewis-O’Connor, A. (2024). Effectiveness of Trauma-Informed Care Implementation in Health Care Settings: Systematic Review of Reviews and Realist Synthesis. The Permanente Journal, 28(1), 135–150. https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/23.127

Mongelli, F., Georgakopoulos, P., & Pato, M. T. (2020). Challenges and opportunities to meet the mental health needs of underserved and disenfranchised populations in the united states. Focus, 18(1), 16–24. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20190028

Murthy, V. H. (2022). The Mental Health of Minority and Marginalized Young People: An Opportunity for Action. Public Health Reports, 137(4), 003335492211023. https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549221102390

Nunez-Rivera, S. (2023). CSUSB ScholarWorks CSUSB ScholarWorks Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations Office of Graduate Studies 5-2023 BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES THAT LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS FACE BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES THAT LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS FACE WHEN ACQUIRING MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES. WHEN ACQUIRING MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2865&context=etd

Wolff, J. M., Anderson, R., & Mickelson, K. (2023). LGBTQ+ Stress and Trauma Within the DSM-5: A Case Study Adaptation of the UConn Racial/Ethnic Stress and Trauma Survey (UnRESTS). The Behavior Therapist, 46(4), 165. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11376306/