CME | Mental Health Disparities and Access to Care

The CME on the Go series of the Inside Family Medicine podcast lets you earn up to 0.5 CME credits per episode — join the hosts as they dive into the significant mental health disparities and access to care issues faced by various communities. They explore the role of family physicians in addressing these disparities, the impact of stigma, and potential solutions such as integrating behavioral health services and utilizing telehealth.  

In this engaging episode of the CME On The Go, the discussion centers around the pressing issue of mental health disparities and the barriers to accessing care. The episode sheds light on the systemic challenges that patients face, such as financial and transportation issues, and emphasizes the crucial role of family physicians in bridging these gaps. The conversation also tackles the stigma surrounding mental health and presents innovative solutions like integrating behavioral health services and leveraging telehealth to enhance care accessibility. This episode is a must-listen for those committed to advocating for better mental health care and addressing disparities in the healthcare system. 

Your hosts for this episode are Lauren Brown-Berchtold, MD, FAAFP, program director for the San Joaquin General Family Medicine Residency in French Camp, Calif.; Jason Marker, MD, MPA, FAAFP, associate director of the Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Residency program in South Bend, Ind.; and Tamaan Osbourne-Roberts, MD, MBA, FAAFP, chief medical officer and vice president of health strategy at the public sector health plan Colorado Access.  

Whether you're navigating patient queries or seeking to enhance your clinical knowledge, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for family physicians. Tune in now and earn CME credit! 

 

Credit Claiming:

After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 AAFP credit by following the provided link. https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/17827/e

 

Learning Objectives:   

1. Examine disparities in mental health care access and outcomes among different demographic groups. 

2. Discuss factors contributing to mental health disparities, including socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and stigma. 

3.  Discover initiatives aimed at increasing access to mental health services in underserved communities. 

4. Identify resources and strategies for addressing mental health disparities in clinical practice. 

 

References

Hodgkinson, S., Godoy, L., Beers, L. S., & Lewin, A. (2017). Improving mental health access for low-income children and families in the primary care setting. Pediatrics, 139(1), e20151175. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-1175

Johnson, E. M., & Possemato, K. (2019). Defining the things we can change to improve access to mental health care. Family Systems & Health, 37(3), 195-205. https://doi.org/10.1037/fsh0000435

Coombs, N. C., Meriwether, W. E., Caringi, J., & Newcomer, S. R. (2021). Barriers to healthcare access among U.S. adults with mental health challenges: A population-based study. SSM - Population Health, 15, 100847. Published 2021 Jun 15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100847 

Mongelli, F., Georgakopoulos, P., & Pato, M. T. (2020). Challenges and opportunities to meet the mental health needs of underserved and disenfranchised populations in the United States. Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing), 18(1), 16-24. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20190028 

Jetty, A., Petterson, S., Westfall, J. M., & Jabbarpour, Y. (2021). Assessing primary care contributions to behavioral health: A cross-sectional study using medical expenditure panel survey. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 12. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501327211023871 

Sherman, Miller, et al. (2017). Managing behavioral health issues in primary care: Six five-minute tools. Family Practice Management, 24(2), 30-35. 

 

Resources 

AAFP The EveryONE Project 

AAFP Mental and Behavioral Health: Clinical Guidance and Practice Resources 

AAFP Mental Health and Behavioral CME 

AAFP Mental and Behavioral Health Care Services by Family Physicians

 

 

Disclosure: It is the policy of the AAFP that all individuals in a position to control content disclose any relationships with commercial interests upon nomination/invitation of participation. Disclosure documents are reviewed for potential conflicts of interest and, if identified, conflicts are resolved prior to confirmation of participation. Only those participants who had no conflict of interest or who agreed to an identified resolution process prior to their participation were involved in this CME activity.  

All individuals in a position to control content for this session have indicated they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. 

 

Disclaimer: Copyright 2024. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent those of AAFP.  The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice.  AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use.  Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.