September 24, 2024 • 25 mins
Can mental health care truly be accessible to everyone, regardless of background? Join us on this special episode of the Telewellness Hub podcast as we tackle the alarming mental health crisis in Texas, focusing particularly on the Hispanic community in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Hear my personal experiences as a Texas-licensed counselor and uncover shocking statistics, such as Texas ranking last in access to mental health services and a staggering 98% of its counties suffering from a shortage of health professionals. We discuss the significant barriers facing the Hispanic community, including language obstacles, the scarcity of culturally competent providers, and the pervasive stigma around mental health. Our conversation highlights the importance of community support and proposes digital solutions like the innovative Telewellness Hub platform to bridge these gaps.
Imagine a world where telehealth not only improves access but also delivers culturally and linguistically appropriate care. This episode underscores the transformative potential of telehealth, especially for Hispanic individuals in rural or economically disadvantaged areas. We also emphasize the critical role of breaking the stigma and ensuring mental health care is inclusive and accessible to all. Learn how telehealth can offer a lifeline to those who need it most, and join us in advocating for digital enhancements in mental health care. As we close this mini episode, we leave you with a poignant reminder: mutual support and inclusivity are essential to making real progress in mental health care for everyone.
We are happy and honored to be part of your life changing health and wellness journey:
https://telewellnesshub.com/explore-wellness-experts/
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi everyone and welcome to this special episode
of the Telewellness Hub podcast,where listening is not just a
simple passive act.
It's an act of self-care, andtoday I want to explore mental
health and wellness in today'sever-changing world.
Specifically in honor ofHispanic Heritage Month, we'll
be focusing on the mental healthcrisis here in Texas,
(00:22):
specifically where I am locatedand based out of and licensed as
a counselor.
I really want to bring somelight to how the mental health
crisis disproportionatelyaffects our Hispanic communities
and what we can do to supportone another during these
(00:43):
challenging times.
Do to support one anotherduring these challenging times.
There's a lot going on in theworld and I just want to
highlight how we can reallysupport our Hispanic population
through supporting mental health, and the mental health
landscape in Texas is facing avery rapidly growing crisis.
(01:04):
Texas is facing a very rapidlygrowing crisis, but there's hope
on the horizon and as we digdeeper into this conversation, I
hope we can shine a light onhow telehealth in specific and
community support, as well asculturally competent care, can
help us bring a bridge to thegap that exists us bring a
(01:29):
bridge to the gap that exists.
So, in preparation for thisepisode, I've been doing a lot
of research about the mentalhealth crisis in Texas and I
have some really just alarmingfacts to share.
Texas, like many other states,is facing a severe mental health
crisis and, according to theNational Alliance on Mental
Illness, also known as NAMI,texas ranks absolutely last
(01:52):
place 51st place in the UnitedStates in terms of access to
mental health services, and thisfinding, this ranking, has been
repeated by numerous crediblesources.
In fact, nearly 98% of Texascounties are designated as
(02:15):
health professional shortageareas.
That's a federal designationand a federal label, meaning
that mental health professionalsare in short supply compared to
the population of thosecounties.
98% Texans across the state,then, are struggling to access
(02:38):
the mental health care they need, and the demand far outweighs
the available resources, and Ihave felt this as a Texas
licensed counselor andsupervisor myself.
The flip side to this is we seethe need to support more people
, but there's only so much wecan do.
When we're in sessions offeringone-to-one appointments, you
(03:03):
know we have billable hours, andI know that for myself.
I can say that I rememberwishing like I wish there was I
could do more so that, while I'min this session with this
client, I can create resourcesfor someone who might be needing
help in the areas that I mightwork in right, like anxiety or
ADHD, and I know that a lot ofmy colleagues in Texas feel this
(03:25):
way.
We want to better serve ourcommunities, but there's only so
much we can do without facingburnout ourselves and even just
the feasibility of the waythings are set up in terms of
really only having one of usright One of us for one private
consultation, and that's, inpart, what led to me creating
(03:47):
tele-wellness hub.
I wanted to create a platformwhere I could share resources, I
could be um, someone couldconnect with me, someone can
message me directly withouthaving to pay play phone tag.
Someone could see YouTubevideos I've I've shared or
download any digital content.
(04:08):
I know people have createdbooks and affirmation cards and
they have their TED Talksavailable and their books that
they've created available forsale on Amazon.
There are many ways to enrichyour life and to support your
mental health journey outside ofone-on-one appointments.
(04:28):
If that's not what you'relooking for, there are so many
ways that you can find supportand I wanted to create a
credible, trustworthy platformfor that, while amplifying the
visionaries and the creators andthe creatives in mental health
so that they can have a way toreally make an impact.
(04:48):
They can make an impactone-on-one through their
appointments and an impactoutside of sessions.
So, um and and also, I wanted tobe able to easily refer clients
somewhere.
I would have people reach out,leave me messages and when I
would finally be able to to getback to them, because I was not
I can't, obviously, answer thephone while I'm in session with
(05:11):
somebody.
When I was able to get to mymessages, I would find that I
wasn't the best clinician forthem, that I would actually do
them a disservice If I startedsessions with them.
They needed someone morespecialized Trauma, for example.
I'm not certified in trauma andI don't have the specialized
training that so many of mycolleagues do.
So I often refer out, butsometimes finding the ideal
(05:33):
person to refer to is verydifficult.
Sometimes there were times thatthere were no counselors in my
city that could support someonein their needs for their mental
health sessions.
So that's where tele wellnesshub was born out of this crisis
(05:54):
that exists and my, my desire tomake an impact through creating
a resource for people thatcould shed light in their mental
health journey so that they canfeel empowered, both clinicians
and clients alike.
(06:16):
But let's focus, let's rewind alittle bit and focus on how this
mental health crisis,particularly Texas, ranking last
in the US in terms of access tomental health services, and 98%
of our counties are designatedas health professional shortage
areas.
Let's focus on how this impactsone of the largest communities
(06:38):
in Texas, which is Hispanicpopulations, reeling it back to
Hispanic Heritage Month.
So, with more than 11 millionHispanic individuals living in
Texas, this community makes upnearly 40% of the state's
population and, sadly, despitethese numbers, many in the
(06:59):
Hispanic community facesignificant barriers to
accessing mental health care,whether it's due to language
barriers, a lack of culturallycompetent providers or even the
stigma surrounding mental health.
Many are left without the helpthey need.
In fact, research tells us thatHispanic adults are 50% less
(07:20):
likely half as likely to receivemental health services than
their non-Hispanic counterparts,and this means that serious
conditions like depression,anxiety, ptsd and substance
abuse often go untreated orunaddressed, leading to
(07:41):
devastating impacts onindividuals and families.
And, beyond that, that affectsour communities, that affects
the people we go to work with,the children that our kids go to
school with.
It affects our neighbors, itaffects us on a community level.
So I find it personally.
(08:03):
This is an importantconversation for me to have.
As a licensed clinician inTexas who works with
Spanish-speaking individuals, Isee the importance to highlight
this.
In Hispanic Heritage Month,there's a lot to celebrate, and
I think that we could evencelebrate more by really caring
(08:26):
for our Hispanic communitythrough mental health care and I
think by addressing thebarriers to Hispanic health care
, we can come up with somesolutions and factors to
consider.
Why are so many in our Hispaniccommunities falling through the
cracks when it comes to mentalhealth care?
I think, first, languagebarriers are a major hurdle.
(08:48):
Many mental healthprofessionals don't speak
Spanish, making it difficult forSpanish-speaking individuals to
receive the care they need in alanguage that they're
comfortable with.
In fact, studies show thatlanguage-concordant care,
meaning care provided in thepatient's native language, is
crucial for effective mentalhealth treatment.
(09:08):
So when you can't fully expressyourself and or express your
emotions or explain yoursymptoms in your native language
, it becomes nearly impossibleto receive the right diagnosis
or the right treatment.
Next, we have the issue ofcultural competence.
So mental health treatment isnot a one-size-fits-all.
It's important to note thatcare providers who understand
(09:34):
the cultural values, thecultural beliefs and traditions
of the Hispanic community reallyare people to be celebrated,
especially during HispanicHeritage Month, for example.
Family is often central inHispanic cultures, and involving
family members in mental healthcare can make a huge difference
(09:55):
.
But many mental healthprofessionals don't fully
understand these dynamics, andthat can lead to
misunderstandings or perhapseven inadequate care.
And let's not forget aboutstigma.
In many Hispanic communities,there's still a strong stigma
attached to mental health issues.
People are often reluctant toseek help because they fear
(10:17):
being labeled as weak or crazy,and this stigma can prevent
people from talking about theirstruggles or even recognizing
that they have struggles or maybenefit from help in the first
place.
And lastly, the barrier that Iwant to highlight is one that I
mentioned before the issue ofaccess.
(10:38):
Many Hispanic individuals livein rural or economically
disadvantaged areas, whereaccess to mental health care is
already limited.
So, in fact, so 98% of countiesin Texas already have low
provider ratio to the population.
They're federally designated asmental health provider shortage
(11:01):
shortage areas.
And add to that the fact that23% of Texans have a lack of
internet, then you can see whyeven telehealth services may not
reach those who need them themost.
So I want to highlight thepossibility for telehealth and
digital solutions to bridge thegap and I guess, as part of this
(11:24):
Hispanic Heritage Month episode, really highlight to any of
those who offer telehealth whohave considered offering
telehealth to the Hispaniccommunity to really take this
into mind and really take thisinto consideration how expanding
your paperwork for whateverindustry you might be in, for
(11:48):
expanding the opportunity forinternet access, even in public
communities, what a big impactthis can have.
I truly believe that digitalsolutions can bridge this gap,
and specifically telehealth.
With all these barriers in mind, the question becomes how do we
start bridging gaps?
And the one solution that Ithink holds a lot of promise is
(12:11):
telehealth.
Telehealth has the potential tobreak down the physical
barriers that prevent people inthese rural or underserved areas
from accessing care, and byconnecting individuals with
mental health professionals overthe internet, we can offer a
way for people to get help fromthe comfort of their own homes,
(12:32):
regardless of where they live,so regardless if they live in
98% of the counties in Texas, orregardless of the distance they
may need to travel.
It's important to note thattelehealth isn't just about
convenience.
I think there's a misconceptionabout that.
I think it's also an empoweringtool that can offer culturally
(12:54):
competent language, specificcare and really specialized care
.
I'm going to share a littlestory with you all.
At the time when I remember Iwas working with in my group
practice, I was working with aclient and they needed
specialized care, specifically acertified sex therapist, and
(13:20):
there were none at the time.
There are at least one that Iknow of now I have since moved
from El Paso, but before I more.
There are at least one that Iknow of.
Now I have since moved from ElPaso, but before I moved I knew
there was one um no certifiedsex therapist in El Paso and I
thought I really want to helpthese people, but I know that I
would be doing them a disserviceif I if I did so.
(13:42):
I I've received continuingeducation units in this area,
but I was not certified andethically I couldn't continue
with them and I wanted to butcouldn't.
So I was Googling.
I was Googling sex therapistswhen can I find someone nearby?
And unfortunately I couldn'tfind someone in our state.
(14:02):
New Mexico was very close by,but they were licensed in New
Mexico, not in Texas, and Ineeded someone licensed in Texas
for my Texas client and I foundsome options, but they were
obviously too far away in citieslike Dallas and Austin, cities
(14:29):
like Dallas and Austin, which,if you're listening, you're not
located in Texas.
Texas is so huge, it's such abig state that going to driving
to Austin from El Paso is almostthe same distance as driving
from El Paso to San Diego,california, so it's about 10
hours away.
So that wasn't an option, andso I spent a lot of time, hours,
(14:54):
truly trying to find a providerthat could see this client,
that would fit their needs, thatwas certified and could see
them through telehealth, andthis is the beauty in being able
to support each other throughtelehealth.
So anyone who's listening andhas considered offering a
(15:15):
digital enhancement to theirwork it might not even be within
counseling.
Maybe you're listening and youwork in a different sector of a
different industry altogether.
I think there's a lot ofopportunity to bridge gaps and
access to support and care byoffering digital solutions.
(15:36):
So I'm going to highlyencourage you to write that blog
post, create that digital,download the e-book, share an
affirmation, because someone outthere is looking for you and
looking for that specificservice you may offer or product
you may offer.
And, specifically when it comesto mental health, telehealth
(16:00):
platforms can connectindividuals with bilingual
providers who understand theircultural context, and it can
really help eliminate thelanguage barrier and provide
care that is both compassionateand effective.
And that's my goal withtele-wellness hub too, is that
it allows us to be able toreally easily find the ideal
(16:21):
provider, uh, for our needs andI say are because I've I've been
there, I've needed to find atherapist before.
It is not easy, especially, youknow, I was a single mom.
I was working on Wednesdays,eight to eight, back to back,
seeing clients, and the reallyonly the only time I could try
to find, um, a therapist was wasafter my kids went to bed and
(16:43):
of course, I wasn't going to getahold of anybody at that time
and it was a really hard process.
And I I just, I think, beingable to even bridge the gap with
having providers be able toshow exactly who they are, who
are they, what do they offer, inone digital hub that was one of
(17:03):
my goals with Telewellness Hubto make it easier for us when
we're trying to find the rightcare.
So I also, with that in mind,think that telehealth can be a
tool for fighting stigma,because people I found are more
comfortable accessing care fromtheir home instead of having to
go into a clinical setting.
I've also found people sharethat.
(17:25):
You know sometimes they worrysomeone will see their car or
recognize them coming in and outof an office.
Of course, I'm biased and Idon't think there should be a
stigma towards seeking mentalhealth support, but I understand
that some people may be morecomfortable accessing care from
their home first instead of aclinical setting, and this can
(17:45):
make it easier for individualsto take the first step in
getting the help they needwithout worrying about the
judgment or stigma that may comefrom seeking care in person.
So if you're someone listeningand you're thinking about
getting care, I really recommendchecking out telehealth as an
option because you can do itfrom the comfort of your home.
I've had people show up and youknow the first thing in the
(18:07):
morning in their pajamas for anearly morning session.
They have their pets there andthey're drinking their coffee
and it's just whatever makes youmore comfortable.
That's the most important thingthat you're comfortable and
you're and you're seeking help,and that is that is the most
important thing.
And so how can we support oneanother?
(18:28):
That's something that I reallywas thinking about.
How can we support one another?
Celebrating Hispanic HeritageMonth from a Hispanic provider
to the world, to anyonelistening.
I think that as we discuss thesechallenges, it's important to
remember that mental health careis not just about individual
responsibility.
Right, it's not about theindividual finding help.
(18:50):
It's not about one individualprovider finding a referral.
I think community support is soimportant.
It plays a huge role in helpingone another through difficult
times, and I wrote down someways that I think that we can
support each other and advocatefor better mental health care in
Hispanic communities.
The first, I think, is talkingopenly about mental health.
(19:12):
I think break the stigma bytalking openly with your family
and friends about mental healthand sharing your own experience
can encourage others to do thesame Again.
You never know when someonemight be listening and really
your words could have a hugeimpact in ways you may never
(19:32):
know.
Really, your words could have ahuge impact in ways you may
never know, and I get to seethis from the privacy of therapy
sessions.
I hear clients share thingsthat have made such a positive
impact that I wonder if theperson who shared those words
even know the meaning.
And so just talk openly aboutmental health.
Feel free to break the stigmawithin yourself or among you
(19:55):
know, when you talk with yourfriends or family about it.
If you feel comfortable, Icould encourage others to do the
same.
The second is encourage seekinghelp.
So if you notice someonestruggling, encourage them to
seek professional help.
There are so many greatdirectories out there.
Of course I love tele-wellnesshugs.
There are so many greatdirectories out there.
Of course I love tele-wellnesshugs.
I created it.
(20:16):
It's what I think is the idealdirectory, but there's some
other ones out there.
Psychology Today can show yousomething based in your zip code
Latinx Therapy, I think, is abig one for Hispanic Heritage
Month to mention, but I thinkthey're just starting the
(20:37):
process.
It could be overwhelming, butcontacting your insurance and
getting a list starting that waycan help too.
Sometimes it's just gettingencouraged to seek help.
Sometimes that gentle nudgefrom someone they trust can make
such a big difference and, Ithink, another one.
(21:03):
The third thing that I think isimportant to note is learn
about available resources.
So, whether it's telehealthoptions, community mental health
centers, online support groupsthere are so many mental health
resources available.
Support groups there are somany mental health resources
available.
I try to simplify this processthrough tele-wellness hubs so
you can find the support thatyou need.
You can chat with our on ourhomepage.
(21:24):
We have an AI chat bot, thatwellness match, and you can even
share, like this, how I've beenfeeling, and I've programmed it
.
We've programmed it so that itcan lead you to maybe the type
of therapy you need or the typeof support.
Um, maybe the some resources,some blog posts, some different
uh videos that you can check out.
(21:45):
And and the beauty of all ofthis with tele wellness hub is
none of them are my employees,none of them work for me.
They they are all independentlypracticing clinicians and
you're supporting otherentrepreneurs who really want to
make a big impact as as mentalhealth providers, so you can
check out their content.
(22:05):
I have providers on there whohave listed.
I've just I'm just so amazed bythe work that these colleagues
I consider them colleagues,colleagues are doing.
They've created books.
Some of them are nationalbestsellers.
Um, they've been on Ted talks.
They've um share their socialmedia.
Of course, social media and allthese things do not replace
(22:26):
therapy and it's important toget individual support, clinical
support, but it's a reallygreat start to gaining access to
mental health resources and younever know when you might need
to share that information withsomeone in need.
It's an opportunity for youknow, scrolling and searching to
be something that's good foryou.
(22:49):
A fourth step is advocate formore bilingual and culturally
competent providers.
Don't be afraid to speak up inyour workplace that we might
need someone who can offer carein Spanish and understand the
cultural nuances that impactHispanic communities
specifically.
For you know, in mental healthcare, that might be that you
(23:11):
know, if you're in a hospitalsetting community clinic, you
might need to advocate.
Hey, if you're in a hospitalsetting a community clinic, you
might need to advocate, hey, weneed them.
We need mental health careproviders who can offer care in
Spanish and that's their andthey're fully bilingual, okay,
and that they can fullyunderstand the cultural nuances.
I think that's really important.
And the fifth thing issupporting digital literacy, so
(23:34):
helping friends and familymembers learn how to use
technology to access servicesonline, whether it's setting up
a virtual appointment ornavigating online mental health
resources or any other resources.
Really, I think offering a bitof help can make services more
(23:54):
accessible.
So, as we wrap up today'sepisode, I just really had it in
my heart to share this.
I recently submitted a grantapplication for the Digital
Equity Competitive Grant, I wasjust in this past week really in
(24:18):
working on this desire tobridge the gap that exists in
mental health and digital equity.
I thought the data just showsover and over how, for our
Hispanic communities, they arevery much underserved.
(24:41):
So I think that I want to leaveyou with the reminder that I
know this was targeted towardsmore Hispanic communities and
how we can support them andmental health and how important
that is.
But as we wrap up today'sepisode, I want to leave you
with a reminder that mentalhealth is for everyone.
No matter who you are or whereyou came from, you deserve
(25:06):
access to care that meets yourneeds.
For our Hispanic communities,it's important that we keep
pushing for more culturallycompetent care and breaking
surrounding mental health,breaking the stigma surrounding
mental health and ensuring thattelehealth services are
accessible and effective.
But mental health is foreveryone.
(25:29):
Thank you for joining me forthis special mini episode of the
Telewellness Hub podcast inhonor of Hispanic Heritage Month
.
Remember we are all in thistogether and by supporting each
other, we can make mental healthcare more accessible and more
inclusive for all.
(25:49):
Stay well and until next time,take care.
Hi everyone and welcome to this special episode
of the Telewellness Hub podcast,where listening is not just a
simple passive act.
It's an act of self-care, andtoday I want to explore mental
health and wellness in today'sever-changing world.
Specifically in honor ofHispanic Heritage Month, we'll
be focusing on the mental healthcrisis here in Texas,
(00:22):
specifically where I am locatedand based out of and licensed as
a counselor.
I really want to bring somelight to how the mental health
crisis disproportionatelyaffects our Hispanic communities
and what we can do to supportone another during these
(00:43):
challenging times.
Do to support one anotherduring these challenging times.
There's a lot going on in theworld and I just want to
highlight how we can reallysupport our Hispanic population
through supporting mental health, and the mental health
landscape in Texas is facing avery rapidly growing crisis.
(01:04):
Texas is facing a very rapidlygrowing crisis, but there's hope
on the horizon and as we digdeeper into this conversation, I
hope we can shine a light onhow telehealth in specific and
community support, as well asculturally competent care, can
help us bring a bridge to thegap that exists us bring a
(01:29):
bridge to the gap that exists.
So, in preparation for thisepisode, I've been doing a lot
of research about the mentalhealth crisis in Texas and I
have some really just alarmingfacts to share.
Texas, like many other states,is facing a severe mental health
crisis and, according to theNational Alliance on Mental
Illness, also known as NAMI,texas ranks absolutely last
(01:52):
place 51st place in the UnitedStates in terms of access to
mental health services, and thisfinding, this ranking, has been
repeated by numerous crediblesources.
In fact, nearly 98% of Texascounties are designated as
(02:15):
health professional shortageareas.
That's a federal designationand a federal label, meaning
that mental health professionalsare in short supply compared to
the population of thosecounties.
98% Texans across the state,then, are struggling to access
(02:38):
the mental health care they need, and the demand far outweighs
the available resources, and Ihave felt this as a Texas
licensed counselor andsupervisor myself.
The flip side to this is we seethe need to support more people
, but there's only so much wecan do.
When we're in sessions offeringone-to-one appointments, you
(03:03):
know we have billable hours, andI know that for myself.
I can say that I rememberwishing like I wish there was I
could do more so that, while I'min this session with this
client, I can create resourcesfor someone who might be needing
help in the areas that I mightwork in right, like anxiety or
ADHD, and I know that a lot ofmy colleagues in Texas feel this
(03:25):
way.
We want to better serve ourcommunities, but there's only so
much we can do without facingburnout ourselves and even just
the feasibility of the waythings are set up in terms of
really only having one of usright One of us for one private
consultation, and that's, inpart, what led to me creating
(03:47):
tele-wellness hub.
I wanted to create a platformwhere I could share resources, I
could be um, someone couldconnect with me, someone can
message me directly withouthaving to pay play phone tag.
Someone could see YouTubevideos I've I've shared or
download any digital content.
(04:08):
I know people have createdbooks and affirmation cards and
they have their TED Talksavailable and their books that
they've created available forsale on Amazon.
There are many ways to enrichyour life and to support your
mental health journey outside ofone-on-one appointments.
(04:28):
If that's not what you'relooking for, there are so many
ways that you can find supportand I wanted to create a
credible, trustworthy platformfor that, while amplifying the
visionaries and the creators andthe creatives in mental health
so that they can have a way toreally make an impact.
(04:48):
They can make an impactone-on-one through their
appointments and an impactoutside of sessions.
So, um and and also, I wanted tobe able to easily refer clients
somewhere.
I would have people reach out,leave me messages and when I
would finally be able to to getback to them, because I was not
I can't, obviously, answer thephone while I'm in session with
(05:11):
somebody.
When I was able to get to mymessages, I would find that I
wasn't the best clinician forthem, that I would actually do
them a disservice If I startedsessions with them.
They needed someone morespecialized Trauma, for example.
I'm not certified in trauma andI don't have the specialized
training that so many of mycolleagues do.
So I often refer out, butsometimes finding the ideal
(05:33):
person to refer to is verydifficult.
Sometimes there were times thatthere were no counselors in my
city that could support someonein their needs for their mental
health sessions.
So that's where tele wellnesshub was born out of this crisis
(05:54):
that exists and my, my desire tomake an impact through creating
a resource for people thatcould shed light in their mental
health journey so that they canfeel empowered, both clinicians
and clients alike.
(06:16):
But let's focus, let's rewind alittle bit and focus on how this
mental health crisis,particularly Texas, ranking last
in the US in terms of access tomental health services, and 98%
of our counties are designatedas health professional shortage
areas.
Let's focus on how this impactsone of the largest communities
(06:38):
in Texas, which is Hispanicpopulations, reeling it back to
Hispanic Heritage Month.
So, with more than 11 millionHispanic individuals living in
Texas, this community makes upnearly 40% of the state's
population and, sadly, despitethese numbers, many in the
(06:59):
Hispanic community facesignificant barriers to
accessing mental health care,whether it's due to language
barriers, a lack of culturallycompetent providers or even the
stigma surrounding mental health.
Many are left without the helpthey need.
In fact, research tells us thatHispanic adults are 50% less
(07:20):
likely half as likely to receivemental health services than
their non-Hispanic counterparts,and this means that serious
conditions like depression,anxiety, ptsd and substance
abuse often go untreated orunaddressed, leading to
(07:41):
devastating impacts onindividuals and families.
And, beyond that, that affectsour communities, that affects
the people we go to work with,the children that our kids go to
school with.
It affects our neighbors, itaffects us on a community level.
So I find it personally.
(08:03):
This is an importantconversation for me to have.
As a licensed clinician inTexas who works with
Spanish-speaking individuals, Isee the importance to highlight
this.
In Hispanic Heritage Month,there's a lot to celebrate, and
I think that we could evencelebrate more by really caring
(08:26):
for our Hispanic communitythrough mental health care and I
think by addressing thebarriers to Hispanic health care
, we can come up with somesolutions and factors to
consider.
Why are so many in our Hispaniccommunities falling through the
cracks when it comes to mentalhealth care?
I think, first, languagebarriers are a major hurdle.
(08:48):
Many mental healthprofessionals don't speak
Spanish, making it difficult forSpanish-speaking individuals to
receive the care they need in alanguage that they're
comfortable with.
In fact, studies show thatlanguage-concordant care,
meaning care provided in thepatient's native language, is
crucial for effective mentalhealth treatment.
(09:08):
So when you can't fully expressyourself and or express your
emotions or explain yoursymptoms in your native language
, it becomes nearly impossibleto receive the right diagnosis
or the right treatment.
Next, we have the issue ofcultural competence.
So mental health treatment isnot a one-size-fits-all.
It's important to note thatcare providers who understand
(09:34):
the cultural values, thecultural beliefs and traditions
of the Hispanic community reallyare people to be celebrated,
especially during HispanicHeritage Month, for example.
Family is often central inHispanic cultures, and involving
family members in mental healthcare can make a huge difference
(09:55):
.
But many mental healthprofessionals don't fully
understand these dynamics, andthat can lead to
misunderstandings or perhapseven inadequate care.
And let's not forget aboutstigma.
In many Hispanic communities,there's still a strong stigma
attached to mental health issues.
People are often reluctant toseek help because they fear
(10:17):
being labeled as weak or crazy,and this stigma can prevent
people from talking about theirstruggles or even recognizing
that they have struggles or maybenefit from help in the first
place.
And lastly, the barrier that Iwant to highlight is one that I
mentioned before the issue ofaccess.
(10:38):
Many Hispanic individuals livein rural or economically
disadvantaged areas, whereaccess to mental health care is
already limited.
So, in fact, so 98% of countiesin Texas already have low
provider ratio to the population.
They're federally designated asmental health provider shortage
(11:01):
shortage areas.
And add to that the fact that23% of Texans have a lack of
internet, then you can see whyeven telehealth services may not
reach those who need them themost.
So I want to highlight thepossibility for telehealth and
digital solutions to bridge thegap and I guess, as part of this
(11:24):
Hispanic Heritage Month episode, really highlight to any of
those who offer telehealth whohave considered offering
telehealth to the Hispaniccommunity to really take this
into mind and really take thisinto consideration how expanding
your paperwork for whateverindustry you might be in, for
(11:48):
expanding the opportunity forinternet access, even in public
communities, what a big impactthis can have.
I truly believe that digitalsolutions can bridge this gap,
and specifically telehealth.
With all these barriers in mind, the question becomes how do we
start bridging gaps?
And the one solution that Ithink holds a lot of promise is
(12:11):
telehealth.
Telehealth has the potential tobreak down the physical
barriers that prevent people inthese rural or underserved areas
from accessing care, and byconnecting individuals with
mental health professionals overthe internet, we can offer a
way for people to get help fromthe comfort of their own homes,
(12:32):
regardless of where they live,so regardless if they live in
98% of the counties in Texas, orregardless of the distance they
may need to travel.
It's important to note thattelehealth isn't just about
convenience.
I think there's a misconceptionabout that.
I think it's also an empoweringtool that can offer culturally
(12:54):
competent language, specificcare and really specialized care
.
I'm going to share a littlestory with you all.
At the time when I remember Iwas working with in my group
practice, I was working with aclient and they needed
specialized care, specifically acertified sex therapist, and
(13:20):
there were none at the time.
There are at least one that Iknow of now I have since moved
from El Paso, but before I more.
There are at least one that Iknow of.
Now I have since moved from ElPaso, but before I moved I knew
there was one um no certifiedsex therapist in El Paso and I
thought I really want to helpthese people, but I know that I
would be doing them a disserviceif I if I did so.
(13:42):
I I've received continuingeducation units in this area,
but I was not certified andethically I couldn't continue
with them and I wanted to butcouldn't.
So I was Googling.
I was Googling sex therapistswhen can I find someone nearby?
And unfortunately I couldn'tfind someone in our state.
(14:02):
New Mexico was very close by,but they were licensed in New
Mexico, not in Texas, and Ineeded someone licensed in Texas
for my Texas client and I foundsome options, but they were
obviously too far away in citieslike Dallas and Austin, cities
(14:29):
like Dallas and Austin, which,if you're listening, you're not
located in Texas.
Texas is so huge, it's such abig state that going to driving
to Austin from El Paso is almostthe same distance as driving
from El Paso to San Diego,california, so it's about 10
hours away.
So that wasn't an option, andso I spent a lot of time, hours,
(14:54):
truly trying to find a providerthat could see this client,
that would fit their needs, thatwas certified and could see
them through telehealth, andthis is the beauty in being able
to support each other throughtelehealth.
So anyone who's listening andhas considered offering a
(15:15):
digital enhancement to theirwork it might not even be within
counseling.
Maybe you're listening and youwork in a different sector of a
different industry altogether.
I think there's a lot ofopportunity to bridge gaps and
access to support and care byoffering digital solutions.
(15:36):
So I'm going to highlyencourage you to write that blog
post, create that digital,download the e-book, share an
affirmation, because someone outthere is looking for you and
looking for that specificservice you may offer or product
you may offer.
And, specifically when it comesto mental health, telehealth
(16:00):
platforms can connectindividuals with bilingual
providers who understand theircultural context, and it can
really help eliminate thelanguage barrier and provide
care that is both compassionateand effective.
And that's my goal withtele-wellness hub too, is that
it allows us to be able toreally easily find the ideal
(16:21):
provider, uh, for our needs andI say are because I've I've been
there, I've needed to find atherapist before.
It is not easy, especially, youknow, I was a single mom.
I was working on Wednesdays,eight to eight, back to back,
seeing clients, and the reallyonly the only time I could try
to find, um, a therapist was wasafter my kids went to bed and
(16:43):
of course, I wasn't going to getahold of anybody at that time
and it was a really hard process.
And I I just, I think, beingable to even bridge the gap with
having providers be able toshow exactly who they are, who
are they, what do they offer, inone digital hub that was one of
(17:03):
my goals with Telewellness Hubto make it easier for us when
we're trying to find the rightcare.
So I also, with that in mind,think that telehealth can be a
tool for fighting stigma,because people I found are more
comfortable accessing care fromtheir home instead of having to
go into a clinical setting.
I've also found people sharethat.
(17:25):
You know sometimes they worrysomeone will see their car or
recognize them coming in and outof an office.
Of course, I'm biased and Idon't think there should be a
stigma towards seeking mentalhealth support, but I understand
that some people may be morecomfortable accessing care from
their home first instead of aclinical setting, and this can
(17:45):
make it easier for individualsto take the first step in
getting the help they needwithout worrying about the
judgment or stigma that may comefrom seeking care in person.
So if you're someone listeningand you're thinking about
getting care, I really recommendchecking out telehealth as an
option because you can do itfrom the comfort of your home.
I've had people show up and youknow the first thing in the
(18:07):
morning in their pajamas for anearly morning session.
They have their pets there andthey're drinking their coffee
and it's just whatever makes youmore comfortable.
That's the most important thingthat you're comfortable and
you're and you're seeking help,and that is that is the most
important thing.
And so how can we support oneanother?
(18:28):
That's something that I reallywas thinking about.
How can we support one another?
Celebrating Hispanic HeritageMonth from a Hispanic provider
to the world, to anyonelistening.
I think that as we discuss thesechallenges, it's important to
remember that mental health careis not just about individual
responsibility.
Right, it's not about theindividual finding help.
(18:50):
It's not about one individualprovider finding a referral.
I think community support is soimportant.
It plays a huge role in helpingone another through difficult
times, and I wrote down someways that I think that we can
support each other and advocatefor better mental health care in
Hispanic communities.
The first, I think, is talkingopenly about mental health.
(19:12):
I think break the stigma bytalking openly with your family
and friends about mental healthand sharing your own experience
can encourage others to do thesame Again.
You never know when someonemight be listening and really
your words could have a hugeimpact in ways you may never
(19:32):
know.
Really, your words could have ahuge impact in ways you may
never know, and I get to seethis from the privacy of therapy
sessions.
I hear clients share thingsthat have made such a positive
impact that I wonder if theperson who shared those words
even know the meaning.
And so just talk openly aboutmental health.
Feel free to break the stigmawithin yourself or among you
(19:55):
know, when you talk with yourfriends or family about it.
If you feel comfortable, Icould encourage others to do the
same.
The second is encourage seekinghelp.
So if you notice someonestruggling, encourage them to
seek professional help.
There are so many greatdirectories out there.
Of course I love tele-wellnesshugs.
There are so many greatdirectories out there.
Of course I love tele-wellnesshugs.
I created it.
(20:16):
It's what I think is the idealdirectory, but there's some
other ones out there.
Psychology Today can show yousomething based in your zip code
Latinx Therapy, I think, is abig one for Hispanic Heritage
Month to mention, but I thinkthey're just starting the
(20:37):
process.
It could be overwhelming, butcontacting your insurance and
getting a list starting that waycan help too.
Sometimes it's just gettingencouraged to seek help.
Sometimes that gentle nudgefrom someone they trust can make
such a big difference and, Ithink, another one.
(21:03):
The third thing that I think isimportant to note is learn
about available resources.
So, whether it's telehealthoptions, community mental health
centers, online support groupsthere are so many mental health
resources available.
Support groups there are somany mental health resources
available.
I try to simplify this processthrough tele-wellness hubs so
you can find the support thatyou need.
You can chat with our on ourhomepage.
(21:24):
We have an AI chat bot, thatwellness match, and you can even
share, like this, how I've beenfeeling, and I've programmed it
.
We've programmed it so that itcan lead you to maybe the type
of therapy you need or the typeof support.
Um, maybe the some resources,some blog posts, some different
uh videos that you can check out.
(21:45):
And and the beauty of all ofthis with tele wellness hub is
none of them are my employees,none of them work for me.
They they are all independentlypracticing clinicians and
you're supporting otherentrepreneurs who really want to
make a big impact as as mentalhealth providers, so you can
check out their content.
(22:05):
I have providers on there whohave listed.
I've just I'm just so amazed bythe work that these colleagues
I consider them colleagues,colleagues are doing.
They've created books.
Some of them are nationalbestsellers.
Um, they've been on Ted talks.
They've um share their socialmedia.
Of course, social media and allthese things do not replace
(22:26):
therapy and it's important toget individual support, clinical
support, but it's a reallygreat start to gaining access to
mental health resources and younever know when you might need
to share that information withsomeone in need.
It's an opportunity for youknow, scrolling and searching to
be something that's good foryou.
(22:49):
A fourth step is advocate formore bilingual and culturally
competent providers.
Don't be afraid to speak up inyour workplace that we might
need someone who can offer carein Spanish and understand the
cultural nuances that impactHispanic communities
specifically.
For you know, in mental healthcare, that might be that you
(23:11):
know, if you're in a hospitalsetting community clinic, you
might need to advocate.
Hey, if you're in a hospitalsetting a community clinic, you
might need to advocate, hey, weneed them.
We need mental health careproviders who can offer care in
Spanish and that's their andthey're fully bilingual, okay,
and that they can fullyunderstand the cultural nuances.
I think that's really important.
And the fifth thing issupporting digital literacy, so
(23:34):
helping friends and familymembers learn how to use
technology to access servicesonline, whether it's setting up
a virtual appointment ornavigating online mental health
resources or any other resources.
Really, I think offering a bitof help can make services more
(23:54):
accessible.
So, as we wrap up today'sepisode, I just really had it in
my heart to share this.
I recently submitted a grantapplication for the Digital
Equity Competitive Grant, I wasjust in this past week really in
(24:18):
working on this desire tobridge the gap that exists in
mental health and digital equity.
I thought the data just showsover and over how, for our
Hispanic communities, they arevery much underserved.
(24:41):
So I think that I want to leaveyou with the reminder that I
know this was targeted towardsmore Hispanic communities and
how we can support them andmental health and how important
that is.
But as we wrap up today'sepisode, I want to leave you
with a reminder that mentalhealth is for everyone.
No matter who you are or whereyou came from, you deserve
(25:06):
access to care that meets yourneeds.
For our Hispanic communities,it's important that we keep
pushing for more culturallycompetent care and breaking
surrounding mental health,breaking the stigma surrounding
mental health and ensuring thattelehealth services are
accessible and effective.
But mental health is foreveryone.
(25:29):
Thank you for joining me forthis special mini episode of the
Telewellness Hub podcast inhonor of Hispanic Heritage Month
.
Remember we are all in thistogether and by supporting each
other, we can make mental healthcare more accessible and more
inclusive for all.
(25:49):
Stay well and until next time,take care.
Popular Podcasts
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.