July was Minority Mental Health Month and a time to consider both the unique challenges that this population faces, as well as how clinicians can best support them. The truth is, the word minority encompasses a wide variety of demographics, including everything from race, to disability, and more.
In reality, minorities are often faced with a variety of barriers that impact their access to mental health care. For some, it is a language barrier, while for others, it can be stigma. Still, some are even faced with substantial physical barriers to treatment, such as a lack of mobility to make it to appointments or access to funds to receive care through digital technology.
Every mental health professional has a responsibility to provide care in the most sensitive, culturally informed manner. But, how do we provide people-centered treatment that’s culturally sensitive?
Associate Clinical Director, Al Falcon, went on to discuss the importance of meeting each client and family where they are, metaphorically speaking. Each of us has a responsibility to remain humble and seek out knowledge on culturally informed practices for working with minority populations.
We would like to thank each of you for the vital work that you do. Whether you’re a human service professional or someone who personally cares for an individual with a disability, please know that you are truly making a difference in Montana, one life at a time.
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