Oxford University Press Bringing Psychotherapy to the Underserved: Challenges and Strategies

Bringing Psychotherapy to the Underserved examines the challenging problem of providing psychotherapy services to underserved, often marginalized populations, both within and outside of the US. The book begins by addressing systemic factors that prevent certain populations from accessing services (health system issues, issues relating to the military, and natural and man-made disasters). Expert contributors then addresses those underserved due to discrimination (ethnic minorities, the economically disadvantaged, sexual and gender minorities, and so on). The following section of the book focuses on populations in transition and in undeserved locations (civilians and refugees of war, immigrants, and those in rural areas). Next are addressed those people who are often overlooked, such as children, older adults, and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each of these chapters discusses the scope of the problem, barriers to service delivery, creating cultural competency, effective strategies and empirically-supported treatments, and future steps. The book closes by addressing ethical and research challenges relevant to bringing psychotherapy services to these groups. Review An important collection of essays dedicated to highlighting systemic and contextual factors that may influence or hinder accessibility to psychotherapy as well as impact experiences in treatment. This book is a critical resource for anyone engaging in service work with individuals belonging to underserved and systemically marginalized groups. ― Choice Too many societal groups suffer from a lack of access to adequate mental health services. Too often, practitioners and policy makers fail to recognize the nature and scope of service needs, or lack awareness of what they might do to help address the problem. This book provides an excellent guide to identifying and assisting in addressing and resolving such difficulties. A broad range of chapters by experts in systemic, discriminatory, geographical, migratory, and age-related barriers to quality mental health care offer details and guidance. I highly recommend the volume to those concerned about assisting underserved diverse populations. ― Gerald P. Koocher, PhD, ABPP, Former President, American Psychological Association (2006), Provost, Quincy College Louis Pasteur famously said that one should not ask those who suffer what is their country or what is their religion. Drs. Zimmerman, Barnett, and Campbell emphatically endorse this commitment to treating effectively all who suffer from mental disorders regardless of their socioeconomic status, ethnic/racial identity, sexual orientation, geographic location, religious affiliation, chronological age, national origin, and the like. A brilliant book that helps us see the 'invisible' and treat the 'underserved' among us. You will not read a more important mental health book than this! ― John C. Norcross, Ph.D., ABPP, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of Scranton I have spent my professional life working for the betterment of marginalized, disenfranchised, and underserved people. This book speaks to the heart of my values and purpose. Veterans, sexual minorities, people living in poverty, rural, international, ethnic and racial minorities and others are given voice. Readers become aware of barriers and challenges and importantly effective treatment plans tailored to these populations. I am thrilled that this book captures the spirit and resilience of these people and gives them visibility. ― Rosie Phillips Davis, PhD, ABPP, Professor, Counseling, Educational Psychology & Research, The University of Memphis About the Author Jeffrey Zimmerman has provided psychotherapy for over 35 years. In 2017 he was President of the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy, Division 29 of the American Psychological Association. One of his presidential initiatives was a focus on bringing psychotherapy to the underserve