Title : Who takes on the burden of providing equitable mental healthcare?
Abstract:
Accessibility has been a trending topic in the mental health sphere. Most of the conversations around the same have been about cultural humility, holding space and meeting the clients where they are. While acknowledging these roles we need to hold as mental health workers, it is also imperative to understand the systemic issues which might aid in the current situation.
When looking at accessibility, one must understand the term “burdens” as it pertains to the topic at hand. I would like the reader to imagine a patient standing on a track. The point A they are standing on is the awareness of the mental health issue they are going through. To get care (point B) the person will have to “walk” on the track. However, this walk will become difficult or easy depending on the amount of hurdles between point A and B.
The aforementioned hurdles/barriers when left unchecked for a long time will turn into burdens. Burdens to accessibility healthcare include financial burdens, burden of finding a specialist, gender and sexuality affirming care and access to transportation. With mental healthcare, there are additional conditions such as therapeutic alliance.
The aim of the poster presentation is to understand these aforementioned needs while looking at the solution options available. In exploring the potential solutions, the presentation will discuss different healthcare systems around the world and their applicability along with licensure barriers that professionals face and how to advocate for patients and the profession. The solutions will be guided by existing literature and legal structures.
