Increasing access to evidence-based interventions for common mental disorders in underserved communities in the United States: Lessons from Low- and Middle-Income Countries-Handout: Slides

Handout: Slides

Pdf Summary

This document discusses increasing access to evidence-based interventions for common mental disorders in underserved communities in the United States. It highlights lessons learned from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and explores strategies for increasing access to care. The document emphasizes the burden of mental disorders globally, with depression and substance use disorders being particularly prevalent. It also notes that the majority of people with mental illness in LMICs do not receive care due to a lack of trained providers. The slow translation of research into real-world effects is identified as a major challenge in mental health care.<br /><br />The document points out the relevance of the issues to the United States, with one in six adults unable to access or afford professional help for emotional distress. The high suicide rate, substance use disorders, and low workforce capacity to meet mental health needs are also highlighted. The importance of integrating mental health care into non-medical community settings is discussed, with examples from Nigeria and Zimbabwe. These examples demonstrate the effectiveness of task-sharing approaches and the use of trained lay health workers in delivering mental health care.<br /><br />The document suggests potential strategies for increasing access to care in the US, including the involvement of community health workers, primary care teams, and the delivery of care in non-medical settings such as churches and beauty salons. It emphasizes the need for cultural and structural adaptations and the use of mobile technology to expand access to care. The document concludes by highlighting the importance of health equity, addressing racism in healthcare, and advocating for a single-payer or Medicare-for-all system.

Keywords

access to care

evidence-based interventions

underserved communities

common mental disorders

depression

substance use disorders

mental health care

professional help

community health workers

health equity