Mental Health Treatment Engagement Among Deaf Individuals

What is it about?

Members of the U.S. Deaf community, a unique cultural group of more than one million individuals who use American Sign Language, are one of the most understudied populations in mental health. Some research suggests that Deaf individuals may experience more mental health problems than hearing individuals, but they have more barriers to getting the treatment that they need. This study examined rates of mental health problems and treatment engagement among a sample of Deaf individuals in the U.S. Our results showed a high rate of mental health problems (63%), but only 31% of individuals with a mental health problem were receiving treatment. It is important to develop strategies to help connect more Deaf individuals with mental health treatment.

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