Inclusive, accessible, and affirming care for mental health and eating disorders is desperately needed, especially as we know that these disorders don’t discriminate against anyone. As treatment options evolve and open doors to clients of many backgrounds and identities, it is important that we keep our eyes set on the ultimate goal: Not One More day without inclusive, accessible, and affirming care for everyone who needs it.
Barriers to Care
There are many barriers that can stand between clients and the life-saving care they need, including, but not limited to:
- Societal stigma, especially stigma that is based on race, gender or sexual orientation, age, etc.
- Geographical access to in-person care and transportation to get there
- Inability to take time away from family, a job, or school
- Insurance and cost
- Body size bias
- Language barriers
- Treatment that lacks an understanding surrounding cultural foods and practices
Some communities are more likely to experience these barriers to treatment than the general population, including LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals. This can lead to delayed treatment, which is harmful to the overall trajectory of a person’s eating disorder recovery.
How to Spot Affirming Care
Signs of Affirming Care for LGBTQIA+ Clients:
- Programs staffed by individuals who receive competency and sensitivity training
- Gender-affirming medical and nutritional interventions
- Trauma-informed care catered to LGBTQIA+ individuals
- The use of appropriate pronouns and chosen names
- Gender-neutral bathrooms
Signs of Affirming Care for BIPOC Clients:
- Acknowledgement and validation of the impact of systemic factors
- Programs staffed by individuals who receive cultural competency training and can provide catered care
- Consideration of cultural foods in meal plans and nutrition recommendations
- Validation of background and identity as opposed to assumption
- Avoidance of micro or macro-aggressions
All clients deserve to see themselves represented in their treatment space, by both mental health professionals and other clients. These efforts can also be reflected in DEI initiatives practiced by staff.
Self-Reflection is Key
If you are a mental health professional, it’s important to take time to reflect on your client experiences and make changes to affirm your commitment to care that is inclusive and safe for all individuals. Confronting our own stigmas and biases can be uncomfortable, but correcting these practices will foster a new understanding and safety in working with clients.
Let’s Make a Change Together
A system where there is Not One More day without inclusive, accessible, and affirming care also relies on widespread education about these pertinent topics. As we honor both Black History Month and Eating Disorders Awareness Week this February, there are many opportunities to raise awareness, start conversations, and learn through research and the personal experiences of others. There are lots of ways to make change this month, but working towards a more inclusive, accessible, and affirming environment within the eating disorder treatment system is one that will open doors to individuals who need help in their recovery journeys.
Together, we can advocate for change in the way we approach mental health and eating disorder treatment for all, ensuring that there is Not One More day of clients feeling unsafe in a space that is meant for them to heal.
Monte Nido provides care both virtually and in-person across the United States for adults and adolescents. We pride ourselves on our individualized and inclusive environments, where we treat all types of people, fairly and equally. In addition to our generalized programs, we also offer programs specifically for marginalized groups, including a virtual treatment program for LGBTQIA+ clients. Visit montenido.com to learn more about our programs and how we can help.