Intellectual Disability and Mental Health

What is it about?

People with intellectual disabilities experience very high rates of trauma, abuse, and mental health problems, --much higher rates, in fact, than the rest of the population. At the same time, people with intellectual disabilities have very limited access to mental health treatment. This paper looks at factors that account for this disparity, and provides recommendations for improving the training of psychologists and other mental health professionals so that treatment for people with intellectual disabilities can be made more available.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The field of psychology can greatly improve the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities. Graduate programs in clinical psychology can, --and, arguably, should,-- incorporate coursework on the unique mental health vulnerabilities, and treatment needs, of this portion of the population.