WICHE Mental Health Report
September 10, 2007
Volume 1, Number 8
RECENT ISSUES: February 2007 . March 2007 . April 2007 . May 2007 . June 2007 . July 2007 . August 2007
In this Issue:
Special Announcement
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InFocus: Acceptability
The April issue presented an overview of the three major barriers to effective mental health care in rural America, Availability, Accessibility, and Acceptability. Our June issue focused on the components of determining the Availability of mental health providers in rural areas (workforce). The August issue covered the components of Accessibility. Here we present the final major barrier, Acceptability.
Acceptability:
Stigma, cultural beliefs, and values hinder the acceptability of mental health services in rural areas. Rural residents tend to value self-reliance and view help-seeking behavior in a more negative light than do urban residents. The more negative the labeling of a rural individual struggling with depression, the less likely they are to seek treatment. In addition, belief in self-reliance and limited anonymity combine to limit more significantly a rural person’s likelihood of seeking services.
On the provider side, rural caregivers face serious ethical dilemmas every day, including:
- providing care without optimal supports, services, and safeguards
- rationing care
- providing care outside of their usual areas of expertise and competence
- dealing with patients’ “noncompliance” related to access problems
- making complex clinical decisions without the benefit of specialists.
These ethical issues are often more acute in rural or isolated health care settings primarily because usual practices to ensure ethical conduct are narrowed by limited health care resources, such as a scarcity of providers leading to potential for dual relationships and practicing outside the scope of training. While there are many potential solutions, telemental health offers the ability to consult directly with peers and connect patients with specialists they would otherwise not have access to. The next issue will discuss in depth the applications of telemental health and the benefits and issues that accompany them.
Another aspect of Acceptability is cultural knowledge. Mental health providers in rural areas need an understanding of, and appreciation for cultural similarities and differences within, among, and between groups. While America has always had diversity, a recent influx of immigrants to rural areas presents service providers with unique language and cultural challenges. Many ethnic minority individuals are unable to access providers who are of similar ethnic or cultural background, speak their native language, or are knowledgeable about their particular culture. Because of this barrier, ethnic minority individuals may be more hesitant to enter treatment based on fear that the provider may not understand their culture and traditions. As noted in the July issue, similar barriers are present for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals using American Sign Language.
Increasing educational campaigns and enhancing social and professional network referrals may reduce the stigma against mental disorders and encourage individuals to seek treatment when needed. Understanding and utilizing the work of indigenous healers or other natural supports could be particularly helpful in this regard. Several organizations work specifically to reduce mental health stigma in the United States. The National Mental Health Awareness Campaign was launched in 1999 and has numerous programs aimed at reducing the stigma of seeking help. The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a StigmaBusters program with resources for fighting stigma. In addition, there are numerous other programs that target stigma in specific cultures and with specific diagnoses.
FYI...
The Rural Health Network Development Grant Program
In the last issue we posted an announcement from the The Rural Health Network Development Grant Program regarding a conference call. The call date has been changed. The new call will be held Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 2:00PM EST. Follow the link for more information.
The Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant Program
DisabilityInfo.gov
DisabilityInfo.gov is the federal government's one-stop Web site for people with disabilities, their families, employers, veterans and service members, workforce professionals and many others. A collaborative effort among twenty-two federal agencies, DisabilityInfo.gov connects people with disabilities to the information and resources they need to actively participate in the workforce and in their communities. Now you can also subscribe to receive e-mail updates on information and resources in your state. DisabilityInfo.gov has a new state map feature to make it easier to find disability-related information in your community.
The National Council on Disability ADA Reports Available
NCD will release two reports: The Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act: Assessing the Progress Toward Achieving the Goals of the ADA, and Implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act: Challenges, Best Practices, and New Opportunities for Success. The reports are located at the NCD Website.
Mental Health America Announces New Cause-Marketing Initiative "Bringing Wellness Home" to Boost Americans’ Mental Health and Well Being
Mental Health America, the nation’s oldest and largest mental health organization, today announced its new awareness and cause-marketing campaign, Bringing Wellness Home. The campaign centers on the importance of stress reduction and positive mental health for all Americans and aims to establish mental health as an integral part of each American’s overall healthy lifestyle, starting right at home.
One of the initial goals of Bringing Wellness Home is to raise mental health understanding and empower Americans to maintain their mental fitness and wellbeing. Though it can affect their work and home life, most Americans neglect to address the stress and other mental health problems they experience in their daily lives. In addition, many Americans, due to shame and embarrassment, do not seek needed mental health treatment.
Kim Kaiser and Associates, LLC is the cause-marketing consulting agency for Bringing Wellness Home. Kim Kaiser, principal of KKA said, “We see a huge opportunity for corporations, brands and key service industries that want to associate their brands with all the positive benefits of Bringing Wellness Home. Such support will serve to educate Americans on the benefits of positive mental health and boost their mental health outlook for years to come.”
Companies and brand teams looking to create customizable, consumer-activated components to generate good will and market activity around the national Bringing Wellness Home campaign, should contact Kim Kaiser and Associates at 212-686-4535 or kimkaiser@kkaiserconsult.us
Job Opportunities
Recent Job Announcements Webpage
On this page you will find recent job announcements pertaining to either the WICHE West or to rural mental health areas.
We are seeking a qualified Behavioral Health Clinician to work on our Child System of Care team. Under general supervision, provides professional psychiatric services including but not limited to diagnosis, therapeutic treatment, crisis intervention, case planning and management, assessment and evaluation for children with mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders in recovery oriented environment. Participates with consumers in recovery oriented approaches to treatment, provides support for medical staff and does related referral and resource development as required. To obtain an application visit our website, give us a call, or come by our office. http://www.co.calaveras.ca.us/jobs.asp Calaveras County |
WICHE MH Personnel
Dennis Mohatt, MA, Mental Health Program Director
Mimi McFaul, Psy.D., Associate Director
Chuck McGee, MA, Project Director
Scott Adams, Psy.D., Senior Research Associate
Candice Tate, Ph.D., Research Associate
Fran Dong, Statistical Analyst
Jenny Shaw, Administrative & Project Coordinator
Tell Us How the WICHE Mental Health Program Has Impacted You
The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education is seeking your comments on how our services have affected mental health services in rural communities. Please send an e-mail telling how WICHE has influenced you to ctate@wiche.edu. We would also love to hear your nominations for promising rural practices. Feel free to also contact us with requests for state-specific rural assistance or to just ask us a question about our experience with rural mental issues and public policy.
Subscriber Services
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