The Importance of Mental Health Inclusivity

Mental health inclusivity is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and support within our communities.

This article highlights the importance of inclusive mental health practices and offers actionable advice to ensure people in positions of responsibility promote inclusivity in their approach.

What is Mental Health Inclusivity?

Mental health inclusivity means ensuring that mental health care is accessible and equitable for all individuals, regardless of background. 

It acknowledges the wide range of needs people bring to mental health services and promotes cultural competency – understanding, respecting and addressing the diverse experiences individuals face. 

By offering a broader range of mental health services, with mental health interventions developed for inclusivity, more people are able to access the care they need in a safe, supportive environment.

What is the Relationship Between Mental Health and Diversity and Inclusion

Mental health inclusivity aligns closely with diversity and inclusion goals. An inclusive approach to mental health aims to address barriers such as a lack of cultural understanding in health systems. 

When health systems lack cultural awareness, individuals from minority backgrounds may feel that their specific needs are unacknowledged or misunderstood. 

In the UK, mental health care for ethnic minorities is marked by significant disparities, leading to poorer access, experiences, and outcomes compared to the White British population.

Here are some eye-opening statistics about the state of inclusivity in the UK’s mental health provision:

• Black people are more than 4 times more likely to be the subject of ‘restrictive interventions’ such as being restrained or held in isolation while in hospital. Source: NHS, Mental Health Act Statistics, 2021-22
  
• African and Caribbean men in the UK are much more likely to develop some mental health problems. For example, schizophrenia and PTSD. This does not occur in countries with a predominantly Black population. It appears to be an environmental risk related to experiences in northern Europe and the United States. Source: Centre for Mental Health, Against the Odds Report
  
• Despite higher prevalence, Black adults have the lowest mental health treatment rate of any ethnic group, at 6% (compared to 13% in the White British group). NHS Digital, Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, 2016
  

A study by BMC Health Services Research published in September 2023 concluded that little has changed when it comes to inequality in adult mental health services, suggesting mental health services have not become more accessible in recent years. 

What we should aim for with an inclusive mental health system is one that values diversity and inclusion and encourages people from various backgrounds to seek help and participate in their care, ultimately leading to better outcomes for individuals and communities.

How Can Mental Health Inclusivity Be Improved?

To improve inclusivity and access to mental health care for all in the UK, several strategic steps need to be taken. 

These steps focus on addressing systemic barriers, enhancing cultural competence, and fostering community engagement. 

Here are the key recommendations:

1. Culturally Informed Care

Mental health services should adopt culturally informed practices that recognise the diverse backgrounds of patients. This includes understanding the impact of racism, migration stress and complex trauma on mental health.

Assessments should be holistic, considering social, psychological, spiritual and economic factors affecting mental health, moving away from purely medical models.

2. Increase Diversity in the Workforce

Staff representation is really important. Increasing the number of ethnic minority professionals in all roles, particularly in leadership positions, can help ensure that services are reflective of and sensitive to the communities they serve.

Staff should be provided with comprehensive training on cultural competence, anti-racism and the specific needs of minority groups.

3. Community Engagement

Collaborating with community organisations can be a way to build partnerships that enhance outreach, trust, feedback and two-way learning within minority communities.

This is a way to then actively involve service users from minority backgrounds in the development and evaluation of mental health services to ensure their needs and perspectives are prioritised.

4. Address Institutional Racism

Implement anti-racism frameworks that require mental health service providers to actively combat racism within their organisations. This includes establishing clear policies and accountability measures for addressing discrimination.

In addition, it’s important to create safe spaces for open discussions about race, ethnicity, and culture within healthcare settings to reduce discomfort among providers and to improve understanding.

5. Improve Access to Services

One way to do this would be to establish community-based wellbeing centres that provide accessible mental health support without stigma, staffed by local individuals who understand the community’s needs.

In addition to this, there needs to be an increase in the availability of interpreters in mental health settings to accommodate diverse languages spoken within communities.

6. Enhance Treatment Options

Expanding access to culturally appropriate therapies, including non-pharmacological options such as talking therapies, art therapy, and peer-led support groups, will help to meet the diverse needs of minority communities. Service delivery models should be flexible and adaptable enough to accommodate diverse populations.

Reducing Stigma and Fostering Social Inclusion

The stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier to care. Creating inclusive social spaces where people feel comfortable discussing their mental health can reduce stigma and foster a culture of support. 

Encouraging open conversations about mental health in safe, non-judgmental environments empowers individuals to seek help without fear. Building these inclusive social spaces helps people connect and can lead to a healthier, more supportive community.

Resources for Building Inclusive Mental Health Practices

For more information on building inclusive mental health practices, here are some helpful resources:

• Social Inclusion and Mental Illness
• Fundamental Characteristics for Mental Health Inclusion
• The Essential Role of Mental Health in a Diverse, Inclusive Workplace
• Why Inclusivity in Mental Health is Important

Starting Your Journey Towards Mental Health Inclusivity

Mental health inclusivity is vital for promoting well-being and building communities where everyone feels safe and supported. Adopting practices that prioritise inclusivity in mental health care and workplaces can help create a more understanding and compassionate society that we all enjoy.To learn more about coping with mental health struggles or supporting those who are struggling, check out the resources on the Evolve blog.

Author Bio

Buick Hamblin is an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist with over 20 years in the field. Specialising in person-centred therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), she offers compassionate, non-judgmental support to clients dealing with a range of issues, including depression and relationship problems. Accredited by the BACP since 2007, Buick provides flexible counselling options both in Grantham and online.