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This paper explores how Western medicine may not fully understand and address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-induced illnesses in a culturally appropriate manner in marginalized communities and offers a theoretical framework to develop comprehensive, effective, and sustainable solutions that comprehensively address and treat the trauma on both a collective and individual level. Focused on Palestinians, this paper discusses the collective trauma Palestinians experienced and how it manifests in transgenerational effects on the body and mind that may be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or perhaps another distinct condition that is yet to be codified in the Western medical lexicon. It describes local alternatives to Western medical diagnostic tools like the "ease to disease" diagnostic scale and the sociopolitical context—in this case, the Palestinian fight for karamah, or dignity—from which such alternatives arise. Based on these findings, a novel theoretical framework, the comprehensive communal trauma intervention model (CCTIM), a truly transdisciplinary population-level model for treating mental health in vulnerable communities globally, is proposed. It articulates the need to address the root cause of collective trauma, make modifications to the healthcare system, and cultivate strategic equity-oriented and research-based partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creating residencies that produce psychiatrists who are skilled and interested in working in under resourced areas, especially in community and rural settings is challenging. State and private agency collaboration can be an effective approach to enhancing such training. These resources for education have the goals of improving access and services, addressing workforce shortages and improving physician retention. They can provide flexibility to implement innovations that enhance training and address community needs. This article describes the implementation of a psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine. Funding was obtained from state and private initiatives. This paper describes the implementation. Feedback was positive at all levels. This program illustrates some of the advantages of utilizing alternate funding in creating high quality residencies that are integral to the community, produce skilled collaborative physicians, provide necessary care that addresses specific community needs and potentially address workforce issues in underserved areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces culturally responsive and trauma-informed mental health training modules to build and enhance competences and partnerships among mental health professionals and refugee community leaders, while facilitating intercultural, mutual learning between participants from various cultural and professional backgrounds. Focus group interviews and participant self-reflections with the training participants (N = 54) were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed an enhanced understanding of culturally unique as well as universal trauma responses and coping in the refugee community, which led to the building and strengthening of a sense of community and an expansion of social networks and support systems. This study highlights the effectiveness of interactive learning and knowledge transference among participants with various cultural and professional backgrounds, showing that face-to-face interactions and mutual learning reportedly facilitated building relationships and trust among participants and especially those between refugee/immigrant community leaders and service providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LGBTQ+ individuals experience health care disparities and difficulty accessing affirming care. Little is known regarding the health and experiences among subpopulations of specific sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGI). We implemented the first LGBTQ + health needs assessment survey in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, to assess individuals' health care experiences, behaviors, access to care, and health care needs. The sample (N = 1150) consisted of many SOGI subgroups. Greater than 60% of respondents reported symptoms of chronic depression; over one third reported disrespectful health care experiences; and two thirds experienced verbal harassment. Bisexual/bicurious, pansexual, queer, gender nonconforming and transgender individuals experienced highest rates of mental health concerns and difficulty accessing care. Behavioral health concerns were also high among Black, multiracial, Hispanic, Asian, young adult, and lower-income respondents. Gaining an understanding of unique differences among LGBTQ+ subgroups can guide implementation of services targeting specific subpopulations to improve access to care and reduce disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When faced with experiences of mental struggle, Americans often turn to faith leaders as their first recourse. Although studies have explored religious leaders' mental health literacy, few studies have investigated how religious leaders believe faith communities and mental health professionals should collaborate. The data gathered for this research is from in-depth and focus group interviews with faith leaders from Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, and Sikh communities in South Texas and the Mid-Atlantic region between 2017-2019 (n=67). This research analyzed faith leaders' response to the question "How can mental health professionals and faith communities better work together" by utilizing the flexible coding approach (Deterding and Waters 2018). Four distinct themes emerged from the faith leaders' responses: education, relationship building, external factors, and dismissal. By learning about how faith leaders believe they can better work together with mental health professionals we can help bridge the gap between religion and mental health further by fostering a much-needed dialogue between these two groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A disproportionate number of people with mental illness are involved in critical police encounters resulting in arrest and/or excessive use of force. In response, many jurisdictions have implemented Crisis Intervention Team training. This mixed method study used survey and focus group interview data to investigate Crisis Intervention Teams in rural communities in a Northeastern state in the U.S. Findings indicate that unique situational realities prevent optimal effectiveness of Crisis Intervention Teams in rural jurisdictions. Three themes emerged as clear barriers to effectiveness: (a) time and money; (b) buy-in and support for Crisis Intervention Teams; and (c) systemic barriers to adequate care. Rural-specific impediments affect each aspect and member of Crisis Intervention Teams in rural jurisdictions. Efforts to develop a specialized police response training program for rural jurisdictions should be developed and examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]