Pittsburgh is a shining example of strong individuals building strong communities, and strong communities know that providing support services to residents is vital to a vibrant future. Mental health services are sometimes overlooked but essential to overall well-being. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in July shines a light on the struggles and opportunities that members of our community often face.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health impacts overall wellness and is tied to physical health. Studies show that individuals with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns are more likely to have chronic physical health problems, including trouble sleeping. Mental health struggles also impact your ability to engage in your community and nourish relationships. Mental health is equally vital across demographic groups, but underserved populations often have disproportionately worse access to services.
Unequal Access to Services
For decades, national organizations like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) have published data that show an alarming disparity in mental health services for minority and underserved populations.
- Reports from 2017 show that minority populations experience disproportionately high rates of persistent/long-term mental health symptoms and disproportionately low rates of service use.
- Minority patients are up to 50% less likely to seek treatment and up to 80% more likely to end treatment early. Lack of diverse providers, community stigma, underinsurance, and co-occurring environmental/social justice factors account for much of this discrepancy.
- For people with serious mental illness, minority groups face vulnerabilities in the healthcare system, including overuse of emergency services, higher rates of misdiagnoses, and a lack of intervention for depression.
- The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these inequalities. Residents of Pittsburgh noticed unequal access to mental health services during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Reporting from Public Source in 2021 highlighted the lack of therapists who could accept Medicaid, a decision controlled by public entities. Even those who did take Medicaid had extremely long waitlists.
The barrier to services for lower-income individuals could be why those suffering from mental illnesses do not seek help. Charma D. Dudley, president of the board of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwestern Pennsylvania, points out that a history of incorrect diagnoses, mistreatment from providers, or a lack of information has led to a level of distrust for the whole system by African Americans. Our Pittsburgh community deserves better.
Resources for All
The disparities in mental health services across populations threaten individuals and communities alike. Continued research and attention from groups like the National Institute of Mental Health Disparities Team will hopefully illuminate this problem. Improved insurance coverage and funding for culturally-competent providers are promising avenues for improvement. Fortunately, there are resources available for everyone in the Pittsburgh area who needs mental health support.
The largest community provider of mental health services is UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. Private practices differ in their ability to accept Medicaid (Alleghany County HealthChoices), so starting with UPMC is a good first step. You’ll also find a long list of specialized care services here, including support for underserved geriatric mental health patients. The resolve Crisis Network is available 24/7 for everyone.
Finding a provider who reflects your identity can be crucial to mental health care. BEAM is the Black emotional and mental health collective, and its network stretches across the country. You can find Black mental health and wellness providers on their site.
Pittsburgh’s Community Power
The Pittsburgh community is powerful when everyone comes together to support a cause. The need for culturally competent mental health services is clear, and several organizations have stepped up to the plate to fill this gap. The Pittsburgh Foundation offers grants to organizations supporting mental health opportunities for high-need populations, so this list of PGH change-makers should grow yearly.
Adaptive Behavioral Services is a minority-owned and operated dual-treatment facility that can treat mental health and substance use addiction concerns. At ABS, the core mission is focused on bringing mental health services to underserved communities in a way that treats the whole person. Quality service is paramount. ABS offers culturally-relevant telehealth as well as individual and group in-person services.
Three Rivers Youth is a sanctuary-certified organization that provides services to at-risk youth, adults, and families. Three Rivers follows the sanctuary model to ensure that treatment considers client, organization, and community trauma. This approach is crucial for relevant and accessible treatment.
Every community member deserves safe and accessible access to mental health services. With the power of Pittsburgh organizations, we are on the way to healthier days.
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