Resources

Castro-Ramirez, F., Al-Suwaidi, M., Garcia, P., Rankin, O., Ricard, J. R., & Nock, M. K. (2021). Racism and poverty are barriers to the treatment of youth mental health concerns. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 50(4), 534-546. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2021.1941058

Abstract

Objective: Traditional studies of treatment moderators have focused largely on psychological factors such as clinical severity. Racial and economic inequity exert large effects on youth mental health, on treatment efficacy, and on the likelihood of receiving treatment altogether. Yet, these factors are studied less often by clinical psychological scientists. Method: We conducted a narrative review of literature on racial and economic inequities and their impact on youth mental health. Results: First, systemic problems such as racism and poverty increase the risk of developing complex health issues and decrease the likelihood of benefiting from treatment. Second, attitudinal barriers, such as mistrust associated with treatments provided by researchers and government agencies, decrease the likelihood that minoritized groups will engage with or benefit from evidence-based treatments. Third, minoritized and underserved communities are especially unlikely to receive evidence-based treatment. Conclusion: Clinical psychological science has unique insights that can help address systemic inequities that can decrease treatment efficacy for youth mental health treatment. Psychological scientists can help eliminate disparities in accessing evidence-based treatment and help end violent policies in underserved minoritized communities by at the very least (1) building and supporting scalable community-based treatments as well as (2) publicly advocating for an end to violent policies that impose negative social costs.

Retrum, J. (2024). Improved student outcomes: A unique, culturally relevant, and intensive behavioral health training program. Social Work in Mental Health, 22(5), 605-622. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332985.2024.2354678

Abstract 

The behavioral health workforce shortage is pervasive across the United States. To address this need, it is important to establish effective and culturally relevant trainings for behavioral health practitioners. This study examines the results of a Health Resource Service Administration (HRSA) Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) funded program intended to increase the qualified workforce meeting high need and demand. Over the four-year funding of the program, 119 Masters of Social Work students graduated from the social work program with specialized training. The program was successful providing innovative training focused on interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practices, and culturally responsive services.

Darnel, L., Bassett, D. M., Greathouse, T., Ryder, S., Starr, E., Knechtel, L., Atkinson, K., & Finlay-Jones, A., Strauss, P., Perry, Y., Waters, Z., Gilbey, D., Windred, M., Murdoch, A., Pugh, C., Ohan, J. L., & Lin, A. (2021). Group mindful self-compassion training to improve mental health outcomes for LGBTQIA+ young adults: Rationale and protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2021.106268

Abstract 

Background: Young adults who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse genders and sexualities (LGBTQIA+) are more likely to experience mental health difficulties and are at significantly elevated risk of substance abuse, self-harm and suicide, relative to their heterosexual, endosex and cisgender peers. There is a need for effective mental health interventions for LGBTQIA+ young adults. Mindful Self-Compassion training is a promising approach; among LGBTQIA+ individuals, self-compassion accounts for more variation in mental health outcomes than bullying, victimization, and adverse childhood experiences combined. Furthermore, LGBTQIA+ individuals with high self-compassion report more positive identity and happiness, less self-stigma, and lower suicidality than those with low self-compassion. Method: This paper outlines the rationale and protocol for a single-blind CONSORT-compliant randomised controlled trial, comparing group Mindful Self-Compassion to a delayed-treatment waitlist control group, for improving mental health, decreasing self-criticism and increasing self-compassion in LGBTQIA+ young adults (age 18–25 years). Mindful Self-Compassion training is an 8-week group program that focuses on cultivating self-compassion and mindfulness. While typically delivered as a face-to-face program, the proposed trial will investigate efficacy of the program when provided via videoconferencing. Discussion: Videoconference Mindful Self-Compassion training has the potential to improve the mental health of Australian LGBTQIA+ young adults and provide a possible cost-effective, scalable intervention for this population. The proposed trial will be the first to determine its efficacy for LGBTQIA+ young adults and will provide the first data on the delivery of the program via videoconferencing. 

Halgunseth, L. C., Witherspoon, D. P., & Wray-Lake, L. (2022). Dismantling systems and improving contexts to support the development of BIPOC youth. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 32(2), 386-397. http://doi.org/10.1111/jora12773

Abstract 

The issue’s collection of 17 papers apply a wide range of developmental, contextual, intersectional, and critical perspectives (and their combinations) to promote understanding on how oppressive systems intersect and overlap in detrimental ways for BIPOC youth development. Innovative conceptual models and a variety of methodological techniques advance our understanding of the lived experiences of BIPOC youth who interact daily in contexts such as neighborhoods and educational settings in which racism and anti-immigrant sentiment pervades. Together, the papers in this issue examine the systemic forces at the root of experiences of oppression and advance the field toward improving short and long-term developmental outcomes for BIPOC adolescents.

Metzger, I. W., Turner, E. A., Jernigan-Noesi, M. M., Fisher, S., Nguyen, J. K., shodiya-zeumault, s., & Griffith, B. (2023). Conceptualizing community mental health service utilization for BIPOC youth. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 52(3), 328-342. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2023.2202236

Abstract 

Historically, children and adolescents who identify as Black, Indigenous, and other people of Color (BIPOC) have had inequitable access to mental healthcare, and research shows that they are significantly less likely than their white American counterparts to utilize available services. Research identifies barriers that disproportionately impact racially minoritized youth; however, a need remains to examine and change systems and processes that create and maintain racial inequities in mental health service utilization. The current manuscript critically reviews the literature and provides an ecologically based conceptual model synthesizing previous literature relating to BIPOC youth barriers for service utilization. The review emphasizes client (e.g. stigma, system mistrust, childcare needs, help seeking attitudes), provider (e.g. implicit bias, cultural humility, clinician efficacy), structural/organizational (clinic location/proximity to public transportation, hours of operation, wraparound services, accepting Medicaid and other insurance-related issues), and community (e.g. improving experiences in education, the juvenile criminal-legal system, medical, and social service systems) factors that serve as barriers and facilitators contributing to disparities in community mental health service utilization for BIPOC youth. Importantly, we conclude with suggestions for dismantling inequitable systems, increasing accessibility, availability, appropriateness, and acceptability of services, and ultimately reducing disparities in efficacious mental health service utilization for BIPOC youth. 

Rafia-Yuan, E., Moore, S., Carvente-Martinez, H., Yang, P., Balasuriya, L., Jackson, K., McMickens, C., & Robles-Ramamurthy, B. (2022). Striving for equity in community mental health: Opportunities and challenges for integrating care for BIPOC youth. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 31(2), 295-312. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2021.11.007

Abstract

Supporting the mental health of youth who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Color (BIPOC) continues to be a challenge for clinicians and policymakers alike. Children and adolescents are a vulnerable population, and for BIPOC youth, these vulnerabilities are magnified by the effects of structural, interpersonal, and internalized racism. Integration of psychiatric care into other medical settings has emerged as an evidence-based method to improve access to psychiatric care, but to bridge the gap experienced by BIPOC youth, care must extend beyond medical settings to other child-focused sectors, including local governments, education, child welfare, juvenile legal systems, and beyond. Intentional policy decisions are needed to incentivize and support these systems, which typically rely on coordination and collaboration between clinicians and other stakeholders. Clinicians must be trauma-informed and strive for structural competency to successfully navigate and advocate for collaborative systems that benefit BIPOC youth. 

Russon, J., Washington, R., Machado, A., Smithee, L., & Dellinger, J. (2022). Suicide among LGBTQIA+ youth: A review of the treatment literature. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2021.101578

Abstract 

Suicide is a serious public health problem among adolescent and young adults. Indeed, 12.1% of adolescents contemplate suicide, 4.0% make a plan, and 4.1% make an attempt (Nock et al., 2013). LGBTQIA+ youth (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, intersex and/or asexual adolescents and young adults) are particularly vulnerable to suicide (CDC, 2016; Liu & Mustanksi, 2012; Peters et al., 2019). While many LGBTQIA+ youth are healthy and resilient (Ream & Savin-Williams, 2005) they often report higher rates of both suicidal ideation and behavior than their heterosexual (Haas et al., 2011) and cisgender (James et al., 2016) peers. The purpose of this paper is to provide a structured review the state of suicide treatment research for LGBTQIA+ youth and offer recommendations for future directions.