Connecticut's Poor and Minority Women Face Increasing Barriers to Treatment of Depression

Multiple studies suggest low-income and minority women are less likely to receive treatment for depression . The Connecticut Behavioral Health Partnership found that women were underrepresented in Medicaid-funded behavioral health services in the state, although research shows that women suffer more often than men from mental disorders more often than not. diagnosed

decrease in certain physical diseases. "But in mental health care, over the past 10 years, we're seeing these disparities widen," said Megan Smith, badociate professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and the Child Study Center's School of Psychiatry. Yale medicine. for MotherS (MOMS) Partnership®, a program that provides mental health services to "overcrowded and underfunded mothers".

Lack of insurance, cost of treatment, shortage of qualified clinicians, stigma and even fear of losing custody of their children may prevent women from seeking help, Smith said. Blacks and Hispanics are more likely to report psychological distress than non-Hispanic whites, and rates increase significantly for minorities living in poverty, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But white women use mental health services more than twice as fast as black or Hispanic women, according to data from the federal government on substance abuse and mental health services

"Unfortunately, lack of health insurance is often the biggest hurdle – taking care of depression – and with lack of insurance, there are financial barriers that come into play," said Dr. Sarah. Nguyen, psychiatrist and faculty member at the Connecticut School of Medicine

More than 42% of adults do not need it According to the National Survey of the Use of drugs and health, mental health care is not within everyone's reach.Medicaid does not reimburse clinicians for the total cost of mental health treatments, which creates a shortage of providers who accept Medicaid.A 2015 study revealed that the twinkling Connecticut physicians are experiencing an annual loss of $ 27 million over standard fees when they provide mental health care under Medicaid.

There is also a shortage of clinicians who are minorities. Human capital in the field of mental health, "said Smith." What I mean by this is really increasing the training and availability of providers who are themselves racial and ethnic minorities. , and providers who accept Medicaid and mobile scale, and in particular, providers who use evidence-based treatments. We know we need to be concerned about the quality of care, so of course we want to improve the quality of care that everyone gets. "

And then there is the stigma, which is blamed for preventing people treatment regardless of the background." Research shows that the pressure to be "a strong woman" and an addiction to religious communities and other sources outside health care providers discourage black women from seeking depression treatment

"Stress is actually how many mothers we talk about describing depression "So, mothers talk about stress and really mean anxiety, trauma, addiction, depression."

Women can access MOM services in places like laundromat They may even receive treatment at the local Stop & Shop.

"The mothers' comments on this topic are excellent," Smith said. "They really love to receive care there. They feel safe. They feel safe and truly part of the community.

One day a week, Nguyen practices in a primary care center and sees patients who she says would never have come to her psychiatry office to begin therapy. Once I established a relationship and relationship with [patients] they are more open to seeing me in other clinics.

Being in the primary care clinic is a particularly effective way to treat immigrant women. Nguyen added, because immigrants with depression are more likely to complain about a physical problem like a stomach ache.

Fear surrounding immigration status prevents some people from following depressive treatment. Smith pointed out that mothers across the country are facing child protection systems that can penalize them for mental illness, but she has badured that Connecticut is different.

"I think what is useful in Connecticut She is aware of the importance of promoting this dyadic relationship between mothers and children," she said.

Although financial barriers may prevent women from receiving care, Dr. F. F. Mueller, Associate President of Psychiatry at Stamford Health Women do not think that care is out of reach.

"There are many things you can do," he said. "It's not necessarily an expensive proposition, there are short-term treatments that keep people away from the darkest places."

He added that treating depression may be essential to avoid loss of salary and even the loss of a job. "Depression kills incomes," he said.

There is a 50% increase in employment among women who receive Mental health treatment by MAM, according to Smith, citing "a real connection between mental health and wealth."] This story was reported as part of a partnership with Connecticut Health I-Team (www.c- hit.org)