Achieving Mental Health Equity: Community Psychiatry

Abstract

There are historical predicates for the inequities noted in present-day community mental health. Stigma has led to discrimination for those living with mental illness. It is more difficult for research to occur, and to access care (prevention, early identification, evidence-based treatment services) because funding is limited and workforce development curtailed. Strategies to decrease stigma are suggested, means to enhance funding are offered, and models for workforce development are noted. Different treatment delivery systems are suggested to recruit and retain sufficient numbers of culturally competent and trauma-informed providers, so as to maximize access to necessary services.

Keywords: Community mental health; Disparities; Mental health equity; Stigma reduction.