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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2017 there were 39.7 million people living in poverty. Individuals of low socioeconomic status (SES)—including those within poverty—are challenged with unique barriers that prevent the pursuit, access, affordability and success of physical and mental healthcare services. Income and education, among other things, can drastically affect the overall quality of life (QoL) of a person. The specific barriers encountered by individuals of low SES severely affect psychological health, physical health, and social and environmental relationships, which therefore diminish overall QoL. Although a plethora of theories exist in examining the methods, interventions and approaches that address the unique barriers and other insidious effects of poverty, few studies have adequately examined the efficacy of implementing such things.
Tyler Z. Tooley, MS, PLPC has conducted a study to investigate the effectiveness of utilizing collaborative care to improve overall quality of life and mental health outcomes in low income populations. To read more or to download a copy of the research, please visit here: https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/3509/
Below is the “Abstract,” or the general summary, of his work and its findings:
The ultimate purpose of this study is to provide insight and education to mental health clinicians, politicians and the general public of the numerous effects poverty has on mental health, in addition to the most beneficial ways to combat those insidious effects. The specific barriers met by individuals of low socioeconomic status severely affect psychological and physical health, as well as social and environmental relationships, which therefore diminish overall quality of life. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of implementing a collaborative mental health approach for low income individuals on length of engagement in services and levels of depression, anxiety, and overall quality of life. There was a total of 447 participants, which consisted of 57.49% females (n = 257) and 42.51% males (n = 190). Participants were placed into one of three Treatment Groups based on their current level of care. Treatment Group 1 consisted of those who only had a case worker, case manager or social worker. Treatment Group 2 consisted of those who had a case worker, case manager or social worker and a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Treatment Group 3 consisted of those who had a case worker, case manager or social worker, a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and a therapist, counselor or psychotherapist. Results suggest that daily living (DLA-20) scores of overall functional ability tend to be higher, on average, within Treatment Group 3 than the other two treatment groups. Interestingly, depression was higher in Treatment Group 3 than the other two treatment groups, on average, but they also saw the fastest decline in scores of depression. The combination of therapy, psychiatry and case management services has demonstrated an overall improvement in daily living abilities with enhanced treatment duration. A combination of services might be necessary to address the unique needs of clients of low SES in an attempt to lessen or preclude the barriers that may prevent optimal quality of life.
