Negotiating access to mental health services: Deaf people with immigrant roots

摘要

Access to quality mental health services (e.g., psychotherapy) can be a crucial means of support from some people and families. The World Health Organization (WHO) (2015) and the United Nations (n.d.) have suggested that lack of access to mental health care is a worldwide emergency. There are numerous barriers to access, such as, a stigma against mental health care and financial difficulties with transportation and childcare. There are additional access concerns regarding individuals who are from multiply marginalized groups, such as a lack of culturally humble practitioners, no ramps to enter a building, or no interpreter. D/deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) individuals who are immigrants or whose parents are immigrants often face additional barriers to accessing various services including mental health services. While data indicate a growing population of immigrants and second generation Americans, there is little research regarding this population's access to services (Bhaskar, Arenas-Germosen, & Dick, 2013; Pitkin & Myers, 2012). Services for DHH people are limited and there is a dearth of information concerning access to mental health services for DHH immigrants and for immigrant families with a DHH child (Balcazar, Suarez-Balcazar, Adames, Keys, Garcia-Ramirez. Paloma, 2011). It is imperative that mental health clinicians have a better understanding of the perspectives of DHH individuals from immigrant backgrounds. In order to address issues of access to service, this study explored the experiences of DHH individuals from immigrant backgrounds as well as those of the mental health clinicians who serve these individuals. Qualitative data analysis revealed several common themes, some of which include being discriminated against (including discrimination from mental health providers), seeking natural supports, and navigating multiple bicultural environments.