We are happy to announce that Alberta Professional Services has been selected to participate in Together Facing the Challenge Evidence Based Practice Implementation. The program is based on a training/consultation approach to improving practice in treatment foster care (TFC). Essentially, Together Facing the Challenge is a training approach for TFC parents that has proven effective when measuring outcomes for therapeutic foster children. The program sets forth the following goals for both therapeutic foster parents and program facilitators alike: building therapeutic relationships; performing and teaching cooperation skills; implementing effective parenting techniques (communicate effectively, set expectations, reinforce positive behavior, avoid power struggles, etc.); preparing youth for their future by teaching independence skills; creating a positive home environment through family fun time, taking care of self, family meetings, etc.; and improving outcomes for youth served in therapeutic foster care settings. Our broad goal is for this teaching program to enhance therapeutic foster parenting skills and relationships between parents and children. We are excited to introduce evidenced based practice to APS and look forward to the enriched quality of our TFC program as a result.
Kelly Morgan
BSW Candidate 2017
TFTC Coordinator-Intern
Did you know that African Americans and Hispanic Americans used mental health services at a rate about one-half that of Caucasian Americans in the past year? Asian Americans used the mental health services at about one-third that rate. This is important because 1 in every 5 adults, and 1 in every 10 children may have a mental illness at some time in their lives. With these statistics it is clear that minority groups do not get the care and support that they need to help with mental illnesses.
Mental health services are an important part of overall health and wellbeing. When minority groups do not get the services that they need they tend to suffer from more serious health issues. In fact African Americans are 20% more likely to suffer a serious mental health issue than any other population. Minority groups are reluctant to seek treatment due to lack of information as well as the stigma surrounding mental health.
We are proud to celebrate the month of July as Minority Mental Health Month. By spreading the word on this issue we hope to encourage individuals of minority groups to become informed about available services and to get the treatments they need. We want to support all minority groups in living healthier and happier lives.
Brooke van der Giessen
Alberta Professional Services Intern from Guilford College
Psychology and Criminal Justice
http://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers#sthash.nam1nI2o.dpuf
http://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/content.aspx?ID=9447&lvl=2&lvlid=12
https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Diverse-Communities/African-Americans
https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Diverse-Communities/African-Americans
Why Does Mental Health Matter?
Without mental health we cannot be healthy. Any part of the body—including the brain—can get sick. We all experience emotional ups and downs from time to time caused by events in our lives. Mental health conditions go beyond these emotional reactions to specific situations. They are medical conditions that cause changes in how we think and feel and in our mood. These changes can alter your life because they make it hard to relate to others and function the way you used to. Without proper treatment, mental health conditions can worsen and make day-to-day life hard.
If you feel you or a loved one might be experiencing a mental health condition, remember that these are biological brain disorders. Anyone can develop a mental health problem. It isn’t your fault or your family’s fault. Seeking treatment can help you live a fulfilled life and can strengthen you and your family for the future.
How Do Mental Health Conditions Affect The African American Community?
Although anyone can develop a mental health problem, African Americans sometimes experience more severe forms of mental health conditions due to unmet needs and other barriers. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population. Common mental health disorders among African Americans include:
- Major depression
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Suicide, among young African American men
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), because African Americans are more likely to be victims of violent crime
African Americans are also more likely to experience certain factors that increase the risk for developing a mental health condition:
- Homelessness. People experiencing homelessness are at a greater risk of developing a mental health condition. African Americans make up 40% of the homeless population.
- Exposure to violence increases the risk of developing a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. African American children are more likely to be exposed to violence than other children.
Issues To Consider
Different reasons prevent African Americans from seeking treatment and receiving quality care.
Lack Of Information And Misunderstanding About Mental Health
In the African American community, many people misunderstand what a mental health condition is and don’t talk about this topic. This lack of knowledge leads many to believe that a mental health condition is a personal weakness or some sort of punishment from God. African Americans may be reluctant to discuss mental health issues and seek treatment because of the shame and stigma associated with such conditions.
Many African Americans also have trouble recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, leading to underestimating the effects and impact of mental health conditions. Some may think of depression as “the blues” or something to snap out of.
Because of the lack of information about mental health issues, it’s not always clear where to find help when you may need it. Fortunately, you came to the right place to learn about what mental health conditions are and how to access treatments and supports.
Don’t let fear of what others may think prevent you or a loved one from getting better. One in 5 people is affected by mental illness. This means that, even if we don’t talk about it, most likely we have one of these illnesses or know someone who does.
Faith, Spirituality And Community
In the African American community, family, community and spiritual beliefs tend to be great sources of strength and support. However, research has found that many African Americans rely on faith, family and social communities for emotional support rather than turning to health care professionals, even though medical or therapeutic treatment may be necessary.
Faith and spirituality can help in the recovery process but should not be the only option you pursue. If spirituality is an important part of your life, your spiritual practices can be a strong part of your treatment plan. Your spiritual leaders and faith community can provide support and reduce isolation. Be aware that sometimes faith communities can be a source of distress and stigma if they are misinformed about mental health or do not know how to support families dealing with these conditions.
Do rely on your family, community and faith for support, but you might also need to seek professional help.
Reluctance And Inability To Access Mental Health Services
Only about one-quarter of African Americans seek mental health care, compared to 40% of whites. Here are some reasons why:
- Distrust and misdiagnosis. Historically, African Americans have been and continue to be negatively affected by prejudice and discrimination in the health care system. Misdiagnoses, inadequate treatment and lack of cultural competence by health professionals cause distrust and prevent many African Americans from seeking or staying in treatment.
- Socio-economic factors play a part too and can make treatment options less available. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2012, 19% of African Americans had no form of health insurance. The Affordable Care Act is making it easier and more affordable to get insured.
- Lack of African American mental health professionals. Only 3.7% of members in the American Psychiatric Association and 1.5% of members in the American Psychological Association are African American.
Medications
Some studies indicate that African Americans metabolize many medications more slowly than the general population yet are more likely to receive higher dosages. This may result in a greater chance of negative side-effects and a decreased likelihood of sticking with treatment.
Provider Bias And Inequality Of Care
Conscious or unconscious bias from providers and lack of cultural competence result in misdiagnosis and poorer quality of care for African Americans.
African Americans, especially women, are more likely to experience and mention physical symptoms related to mental health problems. For example, you may describe bodily aches and pains when talking about depression. A health care provider who is not culturally competent might not recognize these as symptoms of a mental health condition. Additionally, men are more likely to receive a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia when expressing symptoms related to mood disorders or PTSD.
Given this bias and the negative impact they have on our care, it is easy to understand why so many African Americans mistrust health professionals in general and avoid accessing care. While you have a reason to doubt whether professionals will mistreat you or not, don’t let this fear prevent you from seeking care. The section below gives ideas on how to find the right provider for you.
Finding The Right Provider For You
Cultural Competence In Service Delivery
Culture—a person’s beliefs, norms, values and language—plays a key role in every aspect of our lives, including our mental health. Cultural competence is a doctor’s ability to recognize and understand the role culture (yours and the doctor’s) plays in treatment and to adapt to this reality to meet your needs. Unfortunately, research has shown lack of cultural competence in mental health care. This results in misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. African Americans and other multicultural communities tend to receive poorer quality of care.
However, you can improve your odds of getting culturally sensitive care.
While we recommend you go directly to a mental health professional because this is their area of expertise, if you do not feel comfortable right away, a primary care doctor is a great place to start. The primary care doctor might be able to start the assessment to determine if you have a mental health condition or help refer you to a mental health professional.
Unfortunately, while you may prefer finding an African American mental health professional, this is not often possible because there are a small percentage of African American providers. The good news is that professionals are increasingly required to learn how to effectively treat people from diverse backgrounds. However, as mentioned before, many providers still lack cultural competence and do not know how to effectively treat African Americans.
When meeting with your provider, ask questions to get a sense of their level of cultural sensitivity. Do not feel bad about asking questions. Providers expect and welcome questions from their patients since this helps them better understand you and what is important to you. Your questions give your doctor and health care team important information about you, such as your main health care concerns. Here are some questions you could ask:
- Have you treated other African Americans?
- Have you received training in cultural competence or on African American mental health?
- How do you see our cultural backgrounds influencing our communication and my treatment?
- How do you plan to integrate my beliefs and practices in my treatment?
Your mental health provider will play an important role in your treatment, so make sure you can work with this person and that you communicate well together. Mention your beliefs, values and cultural characteristics. Make sure that she understands them so that they can be considered in the course of your treatment. For example, mention whether you would like your family to be part of your treatment.
If finances are preventing you from finding help, contact a local health or mental health clinic or your local government to see what services you qualify for. You can find contact information online at findtreatment.samhsa.gov or by calling the National Treatment Referral Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).
Resources
NAMI’s Sharing Hope Program
Sharing Hope is an hour-long program to increase mental health awareness in African American communities by sharing the presenters’ journeys to recovery and exploring signs and symptoms of mental health conditions. The program also highlights how and where to find help.
Sharing Hope: An African American Guide to Mental Health provides mental health information in a sensitive manner through personal stories. Recovery is possible, and this booklet tells you where to find more information, seek help and be supportive. You can buy hard copies through the NAMI Bookstore.
– See more at: https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Diverse-Communities/African-Americans#sthash.i73FiaD6.dpuf
At Alberta, we value the diversity of both our clients and staff. As an organization, we strive to learn about the various cultures and religions represented by our team. In observation of Ramadan, we interviewed one of our staff to learn more about the Muslim holiday and her experience with it.
Yaffa Ali, 19, is a student at Wake Forest University and works in the Greensboro office during her breaks. She is the daughter of Badi Ali, who oversees operations at the Alamance House group home. Yaffa is a practicing Muslim and is currently participating in Ramadan. We sat down with Yaffa to ask her about the holiday.
Staff: What is Ramadan?
YA: Ramadan is the holy month of fasting for Muslims in which we fast from sunrise to sunset for about 29 or 30 days.
Staff: Is it the same month every year?
YA: No, it follows the lunar calendar so it begins and ends on different days each year.
Staff: Why is it considered the “Holy Month”?
YA: It is believed that during this month the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammed. Therefore, its origins start with God’s Word. If you participate and commit to the entire month of holiness, your sins will be washed away. Within the month, the last 10 days are the most important. The main idea is that the last 10 days contains the night when the Quran was revealed to Muhammad, although we are not sure which night it is exactly. This night is called Al-Qadr, or the Night of Revelations. Al-Qadr has its own reward in itself because it is considered better than 1000 months.
Staff: What are the food stipulations during Ramadan? Are there foods that you eat at night to help your stomach during the day while you’re fasting?
YA: Oh yes, at night when we break our fast we have a huge meal, pretty much all of our nutrients are crammed in when we eat then. Right before sunrise, we will eat foods that will help us avoid dehydration during the day. We’ll eat dates, watermelon, sour cream, yogurt, pretty much anything with a thick consistency that isn’t too sweet or salty.
Staff: Do you have special services in observance of the holiday?
YA: Every Friday and Saturday night, we hold huge community dinners, serving about 500 or 600 people per night. Friday is our most important day, it’s the day of prayer. One of the most important things to remember about fasting is that you’re not just fasting from food and water, but you’re fasting from bad behaviors and anything that might harm the body or mind. You’re focus is getting closer to God. While fasting you’re supposed to work on your prayers, supplications, and spirituality. At night there is a long prayer time meant to promote the aspect of spirituality.
Staff: What is a typical night like for you during Ramadan?
YA: I will come home from work and sleep. About 8:40 PM (sunset) we will eat. Right after we eat, we perform our night prayers. Typically, we will sit around and spend time with the family. Later on, we go to the mosque to perform our late night prayers. Almost the whole household will stay up the entire night, snacking and visiting with the family. We will wait until right before sunrise (typically around 4:40 AM) to eat before we must fast again.
Staff: Are there any exceptions to the fast? Is anyone exempt?
YA: There are a few exceptions. Women who are menstruating or bleeding from childbirth do not fast until the bleeding has stopped. They are then required to fast a number of days equal to those she missed because of bleeding. The sick and pregnant are also not required to fast, but should perform restitution.
Staff: What is the end of Ramadan like? Is there a celebration?
YA: Yes, it’s a three day celebration, but the first day is the most important. We can eat the moment we wake up. Typically, you wake up early, make sure you’re clean and in new clothes, give gifts, see the family, and go to the mosque perform prayers. Usually, there are activities planned for the kids and adults for the remainder of the day. It is a very big deal.
Staff: Well, this has been incredibly interesting and informative. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.
YA: Of course, you’re welcome. I hope this was helpful.
Staff: It certainly was. Thank you.
by Ashley Pollard, Summer Employee at Alberta Professional Services
B.A. US History | B.A. Public Relations
Social and Economic Justice Minor
UNC-CH | Class of 2017
– Yaffa Ali & Family