What can we do as PMH-APRNs to close the existing disparities in Mental Health?
As PMH-APRNs, we play a crucial role in addressing and closing the existing disparities in mental health care. Our commitment to developing cultural competency and sensitivity is key, enabling us to understand the diverse cultural, social, and economic factors that influence mental health in various communities. By engaging with local communities, we aim to build trust and raise awareness about the importance of mental health services, working alongside community organizations, schools, and religious institutions to promote education and reduce stigma. Improving access to care is another priority, which involves advocating for policies that expand insurance coverage, reduce cost barriers, and offer flexible hours and telepsychiatry services to reach underserved populations. We also support integrated care models that combine mental health services with primary care to enhance access and coordination. Advocacy for health policies addressing social determinants of health and funding for mental health programs is essential, as is providing education and training for other healthcare professionals to ensure culturally competent care. Additionally, we must participate in research initiatives exploring mental health disparities and effective interventions, as data collection and analysis are vital for identifying care gaps and informing evidence-based practices. By collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, we strive to develop comprehensive care plans that address the holistic needs of patients, ultimately working towards reducing mental health disparities and improving outcomes for all individuals, particularly those in underserved and marginalized communities (Delaney, 2023).
Do you consider there is a stigma associated with specializing in PMH?
As a student in the field of psychiatric mental health, I do recognize that there is often a stigma associated with specializing in this area. Despite growing awareness and understanding of mental health issues, stigma persists both within the healthcare community and the general public. This can manifest in several ways, such as misconceptions about the validity of mental health conditions, underestimation of the complexity and importance of psychiatric care, or a general discomfort with discussing mental health topics.
Within the healthcare community, there can sometimes be a lack of understanding or appreciation for the skills and expertise required in psychiatric mental health, which may lead to undervaluation of the specialty compared to other medical fields. Additionally, the stigma can discourage healthcare professionals from pursuing careers in mental health, exacerbating workforce shortages and limiting access to care for patients. In the broader societal context, stigma can have a profound impact on patients seeking care, leading to delays in treatment and poorer health outcomes. It can also affect the perception of mental health professionals, as some may view the work as less prestigious or rewarding compared to other medical specialties. This underlines the urgent need to combat stigma and promote mental health awareness, education, and integration into overall healthcare. By doing so, we can help shift perceptions and encourage more professionals to enter this vital field, ultimately improving access to and quality mental health services for all individuals (Young & Calloway, 2020).
To combat the stigma associated with mental health, it is essential to continue advocating for mental health awareness, education, and integration into overall healthcare. By promoting the importance and impact of psychiatric care, we can help shift perceptions and encourage more professionals to enter this vital field. This advocacy is crucial in improving access to and quality mental health services for all individuals (Canady, 2023).
References
Canady, V. A. (2023). APNA report a call to action to involve PMH nurses in solving mental health crisis. Mental Health Weekly, 33(11), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1002/mhw.33568
Delaney, K. R. (2023). The Future of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Workforce: Using Our Skill Set to Address Incongruities in Mental Health Care Delivery. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 44(10), 933–943. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2023.2252498
Young, C. C., & Calloway, S. J. (2020). Assessing mental health stigma. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 33(4), 1. https://doi.org/10.1097/jxx.0000000000000351