Introduction
Mental disorders are a critical issue impacting the nation’s health and the quality of people’s lives. However, regardless of the increased topicality and significance of the problem, some disparities might affect access to care or the risk of undesired conditions’ emergence. For this reason, the following paper will use Bardach’s Eightfold Path of policy analysis to define the scope of the problem, its current state, and policies that can be used to attain significant improvement.
The Problem
Mental health disparities are a problem that affects the healthcare sector and requires much attention. It can be determined as discrepancies in health, services, and health determinants observed across different groups. The problem has been topical for decades as disparities exist among minoritized groups, including ethnicity, race, sexual identity, ability, and others (Adams et al., 2022).
Numerous theories explain how these disparities emerge and evolve. Some frameworks emphasize the correlation between mental health status and increased vulnerability, while others admit the socioeconomic determinants of health that might promote the emergence of disparities (Adams et al., 2022). However, there is a lack of knowledge linked to the mechanisms of disparities and how they emerge (Adams et al., 2022). For this reason, the problem remains relevant, and there is a critical need to address it and conduct additional research. It would lead to the enhanced understanding and formulation of more effective policies.
Evidence
The relevance of the selected problem and its topicality is evidenced by its scope. Thus, recent statistics show that mental disorders are one of the central causes of disability globally. Unfortunately, regardless of the numerous attempts to address the problem, there is a treatment gap peculiar to the question (Mongelli et al., 2020).
It refers to the difference in the number of people with the condition and individuals who acquire the needed care. In the US, the treatment gap for people with moderate and severe mental health disorders comprises around 65.7%. Moreover, around 28 million people in the state lack health insurance, meaning they can be potential representatives of the discussed group (Mongelli et al., 2020).
Furthermore, Hispanic and Asian youth have higher chances of acquiring mood disorders compared to other groups. At the same time, Black people are more likely to be diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorders (“Behavioral health equity. Policy,” n.d.). For this reason, policies, such as disparity impact strategy, are created to address the issue (Barksdale et al., 2022). However, there is still a need for additional measures.
Alternatives
Regarding the abovementioned facts, several options might be used to address the problem. First, the existing research offers targeted interventions designed for the most vulnerable groups to avoid an increase in the number of unmet needs (Thomeer et al., 2023). They should consider a group’s demands at the moment and remove barriers limiting individuals and preventing them from enjoying a high quality of life.
Another option implies a broader approach, implying the government’s involvement. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a policy-driven incentive to Elevate CBOs (“Behavioral health equity. Policy,” n.d.). It is focused on building capacity, increasing visibility, and empowering community-based organizations (CBOs) to address behavioral health and help people who remain untreated (“Behavioral health equity. Policy,” n.d.). It means that effective policy should focus on addressing the population’s needs, providing resources to manage them, and establishing the basis for further improvement.
Evaluative Criteria
The effectiveness of the policy should be evaluated based on specific criteria. First, reducing the treatment gap is the first factor that should be addressed. The current research shows that it remains high, which leads to the growth of mental health disparities (Mongelli et al., 2020).
Second, the direct spending on mental health disorders and complications promoted by them is around 6% of total US healthcare spending (Figueroa et al., 2020). It means that the effectiveness of the intervention and policy can be evidenced by the decrease in treatment costs for patients from vulnerable groups and the consequences of insufficient care provision. Additionally, achieving the behavioral health equity goals outlined by SAMHSA is another crucial criterion for the policy to address mental health disparities (“Behavioral health equity. Policy,” n.d.). For populations, reduced suffering and improved quality of life will be other important criteria for accepting the measures.
Project the Outcomes
The discussed alternatives also help to attain outcomes essential for addressing health disparities. Thus, targeted interventions for vulnerable populations might help achieve several important goals. First, the disparities between the White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations can be reduced due to the interventions focused on fulfilling particular needs and making them less relevant (Thomeer et al., 2022). However, it is challenging to plan a radical change because a significant investment is needed to sponsor such programs. As for the Elevate CBOs incentive, as a community-based incentive, it can increase the probability of mental health services initiation among vulnerable groups.
Second, it can help reduce premature dropout rates, which is essential for outcomes (Mongelli et al., 2020). Finally, it can make a significant difference by engaging all community members in the process and guaranteeing increased attention to mental health disparities. The failure of the incentives might result in additional spending.
Trade-Offs
Furthermore, the problem of mental health disparities has an increased complexity that should be considered when selecting possible options. For instance, the targeted incentives and policies might be highly effective in resolving issues existing at the moment and affecting the quality of people’s lives (Thomeer et al., 2022). However, they require an in-depth investigation of every case and group to implement appropriate measures (Thomeer et al., 2022). Furthermore, interventions of this sort can be too costly and require finding additional investors who might be interested in resolving the problem.
Community-based policies and government involvement can effectively manage the causes of the problem, leading to the emergence of disparities. Moreover, as with any other intervention implying the population’s engagement, it can use local resources and facilities, which might help to reduce costs (Mongelli et al., 2020). However, it will require more time for the first results to emerge as it implies long-term goals.
Decision
Thus, comparing the outcomes discussed above, it is possible to accept the critical importance of attaining long-term goals and systemic changes. Community-based interventions, implying the engagement of community-based organizations, should be the major policy for managing mental health disparities. Reduced spending and the opportunity to use community resources are essential for addressing sophisticated and multidimensional questions.
Moreover, disparities in access to care for people with mental health conditions are a complex and systemic issue. Outcomes implying immediate change might be desired; however, they are less important than achieving long-term goals. Furthermore, the health of various population groups can be viewed as a community issue. For this reason, incentives with the potential to promote higher social engagement are essential for better results.
Conclusion
Community-based policies and interventions are the best options for addressing mental health disparities and attaining significant improvement. They are cost-effective, ensure higher levels of ordinary people’s involvement, and help mobilize society to introduce more powerful measures. SAMHSA, one of the authors and a significant supporter of programs such as Elevate CBOs, can also present the benefits of the option. Incentives of this sort will provide opportunities for education, partnership, training, technical assistance, and dialogue, which are essential for outcomes (“Behavioral health equity. Policy,” n.d.).
Furthermore, the policy might benefit individuals representing vulnerable groups who have limited access to care to manage their conditions. Because of its effects and planned outcomes, the policy can be accepted by individuals and community members. It can also be promoted and popularized using community resources and facilities. The government and its agencies can also be supporters interested in positive results.
Conclusion
Altogether, mental health disparities are a significant health issue that should be addressed. The existing body of literature evidences an extensive scope of the problem, as 65.7% of individuals cannot access the needed care or have a higher risk of developing an undesired condition. For this reason, community-based programs such as Elevate CBOs might be an effective policy to attain the desired outcomes and improve the situation.
References
Adams, L. M., & Miller, A. B. (2022). Mechanisms of mental-health disparities among minoritized groups: How well are the top journals in clinical psychology representing this work? Clinical Psychological Science, 10(3), 387–416. Web.
Barksdale, C., Perez-Stable, E., & Gordon, J. (2022). Innovative directions to advance mental health disparities research. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 179(6), 397-401. Web.
Behavioral health equity. Policy. (n.d.). SAMHSA. Web.
Figueroa, J., Phelan, J., Orav, E., Patel, V., & Jha, A. (2020). Association of mental health disorders with health care spending in the Medicare population. JAMA Network Open, 3(3), e201210. Web.
Mongelli, F., Georgakopoulos, P., & Pato, M. T. (2020). Challenges and opportunities to meet the mental health needs of underserved and disenfranchised populations in the United States. Focus: The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry, 18(1), 16–24. Web.
Thomeer, M., Moody, M., & Yahirun, J. (2023). Racial and ethnic disparities in mental health and mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 10, 961–976. Web.