Report: Clinician perceptions of barriers to access mental health care

The Heart of Safety Coalition and the ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Health Coalition published a new research report, Clinician Perceptions of Barriers to Access Mental Health Care, to understand individual, structural and cultural barriers that prevent clinicians from seeking mental health care. More than 2,000 nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants participated in a survey that informed the report, which provides valuable insight for healthcare leaders striving to improve the safety and wellbeing of their workforce. Release of the report in September during Suicide Prevention Month is timely given the alarming rate of suicide among physicians, nurses and other care team members.

“Everyone working in healthcare deserves to feel safe and supported by their leaders, peers and community,” said Liz Boehm, Executive Strategist for the Heart of Safety Coalition and Stryker. “All care team members should be afforded the same rights as the patients they serve. They should be able to seek out and access mental health care with privacy and without fear of institutional bias, personal judgments or professional repercussions.” 

Liz co-authored the report with Stefanie Simmons, MD, Chief Medical Officer for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, which leads the ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare Coalition. On Thursday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. ET the authors will host a free Insights Huddle to discuss findings from the research, which examined:

• Structural barriers, including cost and schedule flexibility
• Institutional barriers, including licensure and credentialing application questions 
• Cultural barriers, including privacy and internal and external bias, behaviors and attitudes

They will be joined by the Foundation’s co-founder and CEO Corey Feist, JD, MBA. Together, they will explore six solution areas to help break down barriers for clinicians to access mental health care.

“It’s simple: A healthy workforce is essential for safe, compassionate patient care. The current mental health crisis among health workers is contributing to unprecedented burnout rates, staff shortages and declining patient care,” said Feist. “Together, we can create environments where health workers feel safe, supported and empowered to seek the help they need and deserve. Let’s change the culture and future of healthcare by eliminating stigma, breaking down barriers and building a system that respects the mental health of those who care for us.”

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