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Are mental health professionals prepared and comfortable to provide services to people with disabilities? An
Kelly E Ferreira1,2, Tara M Lutz1, Mary Beth Bruder1
1A.J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA.
Background:
People with disabilities (PWD) are more likely to report experiencing more mental distress than those without disabilities. Previous research suggests a general lack of knowledge and experience limits a mental health professional's ability to provide quality mental health services to PWD.
Aims:
To examine self-reported preparedness and comfort of licensed mental health professionals in providing services to PWD with co-occurring mental health issues in Connecticut.
Methods:
Mental health professionals were identified by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and 640 professionals completed the 23-item online survey related to their experiences providing mental health services to PWD.
Results:
Most participants felt prepared (79%) and comfortable (80%) in providing mental health services to PWD, however, only 59% reported receiving formal training in providing mental health services to PWD. Increased years of experience and receiving professional training were significantly related to feeling more prepared and comfortable in treating PWD for mental health issues (all p-values <.001).
Conclusions:
Results support the need for professional training programs to include disability content and develop disability competence among current and future providers. Additional work is needed to address other systemic barriers to quality, effective mental health care for PWD.
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