Episode 7: The Biggest Barriers in Accessing Mental Health Support

In today’s episode, I speak with Chloe, an advocate for mental health. As with the previous episode, we discuss the largest misconceptions in her specific line of work: assumptions that those with serious mental health conditions are violent, and that a mental health diagnosis defines your life. Chloe feels especially passionate about changing the notion that we have to fear people with mental health conditions. As a Peer Support Groups Coordinator, Chloe brings groups of people together, whose experiences are related in some way. For example, they may share the same mental health illness. Chloe says that “having the solidarity of people who understand the challenges they’re up against makes them feel a lot better equipped to tackle some of those challenges.” We also begin a discussion on how socio-economic status is the biggest barrier to accessing care behind a paywall. For instance, some therapists and practices only accept pay out of pocket, and not insurance. We talk about marginalized groups in terms of race, ethnicity, and gender identity. Chloe believes there is a lack of professionals in the field who share these identities, which makes it difficult for many people to find therapists who fully understand their lived experiences. She stresses the importance of finding a professional who truly “gets” you.Thank you, Chloe, for this insightful conversation, and I look forward to continuing our discussion in the next episode!