Therapy Deserts: Tackling Mental Health Inequality with Jodi and Bianca
Episode Overview
Exploring the concept of therapy deserts and their impact on mental health access Highlighting the barriers faced by marginalized communities in accessing therapy Emphasizing the importance of cultural representation in therapy and the need for financial accessibility Advocating for preventive and regular mental health care to address therapy deserts Urging listeners to become advocates for accessible mental health care and sustainable change
Therapy was not something that I knew existed for most of my life. And even then, it wasn't referred to as therapy. There was no conversations about mental health and why people may go to therapy. It was just like, oh, this is what people do when they have a thing to talk about. So there just wasn't a lot of investment in the community.
Imagine needing help but having nowhere to turn. This episode of 'To Write Love on Her Arms' dives into the troubling reality of 'therapy deserts'—places where mental health resources are scarce or nonexistent. While therapy has become more accepted in recent years, many communities still lack access to essential services. In fact, 570 counties in the U.S. have no psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselors at all. That’s a staggering 17% of the country left without mental health support.
How do we bridge this gap? Joining the conversation are Jodi Davis, an experienced counselor working in a comprehensive homelessness program in Texas, and Bianca, who brings her own unique perspective. Together, they shed light on the multifaceted barriers people face, from financial struggles to the absence of nearby professionals. They also discuss how these issues disproportionately affect marginalized communities, particularly non-English speakers and people of color.
Jodi and Bianca don’t just talk about the problem; they offer insights into potential solutions. They stress the importance of culturally-aware therapy and the need for representation within mental health services. By sharing their personal and professional experiences, they highlight how crucial it is to make mental health care accessible and inclusive. This episode isn't just about identifying problems; it’s a call to action.
It urges listeners to advocate for change and support initiatives that bring mental health resources to underserved areas. If you’re passionate about mental health equality or just curious about the hidden barriers many face, this episode is a must-listen.