Unspoken Issues Plaguing Counseling Sessions Remain Unaddressed

Unspoken Issues Surrounding Therapy Remain a Major Concern

In a recent article published in The Atlantic, the issue of systemic discrimination among therapists is brought to light. The piece, while not providing any quick fixes, offers valuable insights into the problems and potential solutions.

The article sheds light on the systemic discrimination that may exist among therapists, a topic that has long been overlooked in discussions about mental health care. It is important to note that this article does not delve into the lack of therapists in certain areas, therapists not accepting certain insurance plans, individuals having to pay out of pocket for mental health treatment, or difficulties in booking appointments for mental health treatment.

The study referenced in the article suggests that racial and economic bias may be a significant factor in accessing mental health treatment. To support this claim, scientists conducted an experiment where they left voice mails for psychologists and psychiatrists pretending to be depressed and anxious, using different accents and vocabulary to suggest a specific race or income level.

The results of this study align with the real-world experiences of many individuals. For instance, working-class black men had to call 80 therapists to get an appointment, while middle-class white women had to call only five.

The article also discusses the ideal patient acronym among therapists, as identified in previous research, which is YAVIS (young, attractive, verbal, intelligent, and successful). This suggests a potential bias towards certain demographics, further exacerbating the existing disparities in mental health care.

It is worth noting that the article does not provide any new data or studies regarding access to mental health treatment beyond mentioning the ideal patient acronym. However, it does offer explanations for the issues regarding systemic discrimination among therapists.

The article suggests possible solutions to the issues of systemic discrimination among therapists, although it does not promise immediate resolutions. Major U.S. cities with a high concentration of psychotherapists open to treating patients of all races and social classes typically include diverse metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., where cultural diversity and inclusive healthcare practices are emphasized.

Despite these challenges, it's crucial to remember that mental health is a vital aspect of overall health. One in five people deals with a mental health disorder in any given year, and unfortunately, sixty percent of these individuals do not receive the treatment they need.

In conclusion, the article in The Atlantic serves as a call to action, highlighting the need for change in the mental health care system to ensure equal access for all, regardless of race or socio-economic status.