Culture and Society: Influencers of Mental Health and Substance Misuse

Health and mental health care in the United States is embedded in Western culture, science, and medicine, which emphasize scientific inquiry and objective evidence. Cultural misunderstandings between patient and clinician, clinician bias, and the fragmentation of mental health services deter minorities from accessing and utilizing care and prevent them from receiving appropriate care. These possibilities intensify with the demographic trends highlighted.

As of 2020, more than 52 million people living in the United States with mental illness. The burden of mental illness in this country is among the highest of all diseases, and mental disorders are among the most common causes of disability.

This webinar will discuss how to promote equity, improve access, and increase retention in care among BIPOC communities in healthcare. Barriers and myths relating to PrEP use in BIPOC communities will be identified and dispelled to encourage patients’ use of PrEP while emphasizing the importance of a strong patient-provider relationship. Additionally, innovative healthcare delivery methods and initiatives will be explained to improve patients’ knowledge of PrEP and to increase PrEP uptake.

Learning Objectives:

After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to:

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges.
• Describe the influences of cultural and societal stigmas on help-seeking behaviors.
• List the barriers to treating depression that are unique to men of color.
• Identify empathetic language to help others facing mental health challenges.
• Identify appropriate mental health support and substance use services.