Addressing the Mental & Behavioral Health Needs of Underserved Populations

The Graduate Psychology Program (GPE) is Addressing the Mental & Behavioral Health Needs of Underserved Populations

Addressing the Mental & Behavioral Health Needs of the Underserved is Critical. An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older — about one in four adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year (Kessler, Chiu, Demler, & Walters, 2005). In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that mental disorders are the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15-44 (WHO, 2004). Further, it is estimated that lost productivity due to mental illnesses costs our nation approximately $105 billion annually (Mental Health Liaison Group, 2004). The GPE Program is focused on the needs of the underserved:

Children. “Mental health and substance use disorders among children, youth and young adults are major threats to the health and well-being of younger populations which often carryover into adulthood.” “In any given year, the percentage of young people with mental, emotional and behavioral disorders is estimated to between 14 and 20 percent.” “The annual quantifiable cost of such disorders was estimated in 2007 to be $247 billion. (National Academy of Sciences, 2009).

Elderly. Older adults are at increased risk for mental health disorders, including depression and suicide. It is estimated that 20% of older adults experience some type of mental health concern (American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2008). Unfortunately, these disorders often co-occur with physical illnesses, such as heart disease or diabetes, and are often undetected and untreated (NIMH, 2006). Mental and behavioral health issues of older adults can best be met in primary care settings that offer integrated health services, including mental health care (Zeiss & Gallagher-Thompson, 2003).

Minority. Studies show African Americans are just as much at risk for mental illness as their white counterparts but receive substantially less treatment. In addition, 40 percent of African American children are in the criminal justice system and 45 percent are in foster care. Over 25 percent are exposed to violence and are risk for PTSD. (Surgeon General’s Report, 2001) And African Americans are twice as likely to have diabetes and substantially more die of stroke and are more likely to have some form of heart disease. (DHHS, 2005).

Rural. Rural areas have a higher proportion of people who are at risk for mental and behavioral health problems, especially the elderly and chronically ill persons. (National Advisory Committee on Rural Health & Human Services Report, 2004). Currently there are over 3,700 Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (U.S. Office of Shortage Designations, 2009). Rural communities face significant shortages of mental and behavioral health professionals (NACHC, 2004). Due to the shortage of mental and behavioral health providers, primary care physicians, who do not have sufficient training and skills, provide as much as 60-70 percent of mental and behavioral health services in rural areas (Rural Assistance Center, 2005).

Disasters. In areas that have been significantly impacted by Katrina – 25% to 30 % of the population may experience clinically significant mental health needs; up to 500,000 people may be in need of assistance. Symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder, depression, grief and anger are to be expected among some who survived the hurricanes, as well as physical health and behavior problems, such as substance abuse disorders among adults and conduct problems among children (DHHS, 2005).

Military personnel. Thousands of returning military personnel are struggling with mental health issues, the number of which is steadily increasing due to the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. These problems include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), depression, substance abuse, and social withdrawal. One in five active duty soldiers and two in five reserve component soldiers were identified as requiring mental health treatment (Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 2007).

Contact: Nina Levitt * American Psychological Association * 202/336-6023