by Suzanne Potter, Producer
One in four Californians is an immigrant and a new report showed many are refugees who may need mental health services but have trouble finding treatment.
Researchers from the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network found a pressing need for culturally-responsive behavioral health services.
Vincent Chou, community advocacy manager for the group, said many barriers can hinder access.
“These communities face distinct challenges such as trauma from displacement, stress, language barriers, and systemic discrimination,” Chou outlined. “All of which contribute to why they’re not really utilizing the mental health services that are available to them.”
Community groups said they have seen a huge increase in demand for mental health services since the pandemic. The report also called for training on trauma-informed care for providers and county workers who assist immigrants.
Mary Anne Foo, executive director of the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance, said California faces a dire shortage of bilingual, bicultural mental health providers; people who can better connect with patients.
“When they see a counselor who can speak their language, they’re more apt to be able to describe what’s going on with them,” Foo pointed out. “Or to be able to participate fully in their care.”
Ruqayya Ahmad, policy manager for the network, said the state needs to better fund community-based organizations so they can recruit mental health professionals from the populations they serve and offer competitive pay to retain them.
“They’re the ones who have these trusted relationships,” Ahmad emphasized. “They’re helping to normalize mental health conversations and reducing that stigma that exists in some communities.”
Vattana Peong, executive director of The Cambodian Family Community Center in Santa Ana, said the state also needs to make it easier for groups like his to get credentialed to accept Medi-Cal insurance.
“There are a lot of barriers for community-based organizations who want to become Medi-Cal mental health providers,” Peong stressed. “That is something we need to fix.”
He added community groups often offer wraparound services, like child care and transportation, making it easier for low-income families to access health services.
— In other health news
New treatment, tips for taming postpartum depression
More new babies are born in the fall than any other time of year which also means some people who give birth may be heading into the winter months with what is sometimes called the “baby blues.”
Experts said postpartum depression is more than just the fatigue and life changes that come with being a new parent. In California and across the country, there are more treatment options, including a relatively new, fast-acting pill for severe postpartum depression, called Zurzuvae.
Dr. Donna O’Shea, OB/GYN and chief medical officer for population health at UnitedHealthcare, advised women who feel they are struggling to seek help rather than trying to go it alone.
“One in five women experience pregnancy-related mental health conditions,” O’Shea pointed out. “Of women who have postpartum depression, 20% will face suicidal thoughts and even attempt self-harm.”
She noted people have a higher risk of postpartum depression if they have a history of anxiety or depression, if they come from an under-resourced community, use drugs or alcohol or if they experience fertility challenges, an unwanted pregnancy or a difficult birth.
Rhonda Smith, executive director of the nonprofit California Black Health Network, said equity issues are also at play here.
“Only about 4 percent of mental health providers are Black,” Smith stressed. “Trying to find a mental health service provider who looks like us, that is very, very difficult.”
Women are also urged to contact their doctors, activate their personal support network and find out if their company offers an employee assistance program including mental health resources.
