Breaking the Stigma: Championing Disability Rights in Mental Health Services

YuLin Zhen, Photography Editor

Pam, a Black woman living with a mental health disability, dreads her therapy sessions. Instead of talking about her feelings, she spends most of her time explaining her condition to her therapist. “I want to discuss how [my condition] makes me feel, not just go over my diagnosis,” she shared with Yale researchers.

A recent study led by Katie Wang, an associate professor of public health, highlights the struggles faced by people with disabilities, like Pam, in mental healthcare. According to interviews, ableism—discrimination based on disability—directly impacts access to effective care.

The findings reveal a troubling picture. Many individuals with disabilities report feeling overlooked or misunderstood in treatment settings. Wang aims for her research to encourage changes in mental health practices to better serve these individuals.

Wang and her team spoke with 20 adults across the U.S. last fall. The participants varied in race, gender, sexual orientation, and types of disabilities, both physical and mental. They shared their frustrations about the mental health system and instances of ableism during their interactions with providers.

Co-author Sarah Fodero noted that the courage shown by participants in sharing their stories was inspiring. Many were eager to help others by highlighting the challenges they faced. “They often felt that their conditions were either overemphasized or ignored,” Fodero reported. One person with autism mentioned being redirected to disability services despite their primary concerns being unrelated to autism.

Barriers go beyond personal experiences. Carmen Correa-Rios, an operations director at the CT Center for Disability Rights, pointed out that the attitudes towards people with mental disabilities can significantly impact their care. Some patients feel that their struggles are dismissed as merely psychological issues when they are, in fact, real challenges that need attention.

The study found systemic issues too. For example, strict cancellation policies can disproportionately affect individuals with disabilities, who may need to cancel appointments suddenly due to health issues. Additionally, many telehealth platforms lack necessary accessibility features, making virtual care difficult for some patients.

People with disabilities also experience a layered discrimination that intertwines with their race or sexual orientation. This complexity makes it hard for them to find providers who genuinely understand their experiences and needs.

While the study primarily focused on a specific group, Wang believes it illustrates broader patterns of ableism faced by many. Fodero, who is visually impaired, found validation in the stories shared, as she resonated with many of their experiences.

Addressing these issues starts with better training. Correa-Rios highlighted the importance of instilling disability competency in medical education. Understanding that not all patients with the same disability will need the same approach is vital. Wang echoed this sentiment, advocating for more psychologists with disabilities to improve care and empathy within the system.

There’s also a call for more flexible systems that consider the unique needs of people with disabilities, such as adapting appointment policies and improving accessibility in telehealth services. Further research into these issues could reveal more about ableism in mental health.

However, challenges remain. Fodero expressed concern that political changes could hinder progress in making mental health care more accessible for people with disabilities. For instance, the removal of diversity programs could limit opportunities for inclusive hiring in mental health fields.

Wang and her colleagues hope their research sparks conversations about necessary changes. As Jou stated, “It’s important to seek understanding before expecting to be understood.” With each voice shared, there’s potential for greater awareness and improvement in mental health care for all.

According to the CDC, adults with disabilities report experiencing mental distress nearly five times more often than those without disabilities.

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