Tackling NYC’s mental health challenges

Can you share your perspective on the current state of mental health care in the city, especially within the communities served by SOMOS Community Care?

The mental health crisis in New York City is indeed a pressing issue. Every day, we see the effects of inadequate mental health resources – whether it’s on the subway or in our communities. The lack of access to care, coupled with the high rates of mental health-related incidents, makes it incredibly challenging for health care providers like us to deliver the care our patients desperately need. We encounter many barriers: insufficient resources, a shortage of mental health professionals, and financial concerns that prevent patients from seeking help.

This situation is even more daunting in communities where mental health is highly stigmatized. For many, especially young men, discussing mental health is taboo. Yet, these are often the individuals most affected by mental health issues. 

SOMOS Community Care is known for its culturally competent approach. How does this model specifically address the needs of New York’s immigrant communities, particularly in the realm of mental health?

At SOMOS, we’ve made it our mission to provide culturally competent care that meets the unique needs of our immigrant communities. We are one of the few health care providers in the country that offers mental health services in Spanish and other languages spoken by our patients. This is a critical lifeline for our communities, where language and cultural barriers can often prevent individuals from seeking care.

Our providers live and work in the same neighborhoods as our patients, which allows us to understand their cultural nuances and build trust. This deep connection is essential when addressing mental health, as it enables us to guide sensitive conversations and provide a safe space for our patients to express themselves. The trust we’ve cultivated is something that cannot be easily replicated by the broader health care system.

How is SOMOS integrating mental health care into its overall health care services?

At SOMOS, we take a holistic approach to health care, recognizing that mental health is integral to overall well-being. From the beginning, we’ve integrated mental health screening – such as PHQ-9 for depression and GAD-7 for anxiety – into all 900 SOMOS Community Care clinics across New York City. This allows us to identify early signs of mental health issues and intervene before they escalate. Last year we conducted over 120,000 screenings, and we have over 300 mental health and substance abuse providers in our network. These providers are not just in the community; they are of the community, which makes a significant difference in how care is delivered and received.

We also focus on de-stigmatizing mental health through community engagement. Our health fairs and workshops bring mental health into the conversation in a way that feels approachable and relevant to our patients. Additionally, we’ve certified our community workers in Mental Health First Aid, equipping them with the skills to assist individuals in crisis, a crucial step in expanding our mental health outreach.

Beyond mental health, what role do social factors play in behavioral health issues, and how does SOMOS address these?

Behavioral health and substance abuse issues often stem from social factors. At SOMOS, we’re pioneering a new way of viewing healthcare. We are expanding our mental health capabilities by fully integrating mental health services into our broader healthcare model through our Social Care Networks (SCNs). These networks are designed to bridge healthcare with essential social services, recognizing that addressing social determinants of health is crucial for improving overall well-being and health outcomes. Housing problems, job insecurity, food insecurity and transportation difficulties are particularly challenging in our communities. When we address these issues by connecting patients to the resources they need, we see significant improvements in their conditions and overall well-being.

Collaboration and coordination are at the core of our approach. By working with a diverse network of stakeholders, we are able to address the social determinants of health for our most vulnerable populations, helping to improve their quality of life. We prioritize health equity by actively engaging the community and empowering individuals to participate in their own care. This patient-centered approach allows us to create a more responsive healthcare system that ensures all New Yorkers have access to the services they need.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of mental health care in New York City?

The future of mental health care in New York City should focus on early, preventive and equitable care. Community doctors who know their patients and have their trust should be at the forefront of providing this care. Looking ahead, it’s crucial that we continue to push for policies and care models that address the social determinants of health. How a person’s economic status, home life and access to healthcare impact their mental health cannot be overlooked. We need to ensure that mental health care is accessible, affordable and culturally sensitive – this is the only way to truly meet the needs of our most vulnerable populations.