Behavioral Health Equity

Behavioral health equity is the appropriate distribution of behavioral health resources dependent on individual, group, and community levels of need. This then promotes the right of all individuals to have fair and equal access to high-quality and affordable healthcare services and support, regardless of race, age, ethnicity, gender, disability, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or geographical location.¹^,²

The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health acknowledges that underserved communities have varying needs based on their background, culture, and experiences. We have included many, but not all, of Texas’s underserved communities within this section to explore issues surrounding behavioral health equity. This resource is intended to continuously evolve, reflecting advancements in research, expertise, and understanding of mental health and substance use across all communities.

A young boy of Asian descent, joyfully running under a lawn sprinkler.

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community

Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities face unique challenged related to mental health.

Black, Indigenous, People of Color

The intersection of culture, tradition, and systemic disparities profoundly shapes the mental health experiences of BIPOC communities.

Two Latina women, sharing a laugh on a park bench.

Hispanic and Latine/a/o/x

Texas has the third largest Hispanic and Latino population by percentage in the country. Addressing the mental health of Texans must take the unique cultural and social perspectives of this population into consideration.

A young person's fingers make a heart shape, in front of the blue, lavender and white transgender rights flag.

LGBTQIA+ Community

Ensuring access to inclusive and safe mental health services is vital for the mental health and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community. Discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide.

A young man with Down's Syndrome happily greets an older male caregiver.

Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face unique challenges throughout their lives and may have a combination of complex needs, including mental health challenges.

An artistic illustration of a family of migrants, walking across the U.S. flag.

Migrant Mental Health

Regardless of means of immigration, the trauma and violence many people, especially asylum seekers and refugees, face before, during, and after migration should be acknowledged

A small child is hugging the neck of an older Hispanic man.

Older Adults

As of 2023, Texas alone has the third-largest older adult population in the nation at around 4 million people. As this population expands, so will their mental health and substance use service needs.

Mother and child holding hands while strolling past a lush field of bluebonnets.

Rural Mental Health

Accessing behavioral health services remains a significant challenge in rural Texas communities.

Veterans

This sizable community in Texas faces unique mental health challenges as they reintegrate into civilian life, including returning to jobs, communities, homes, and families.

References

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2024). Language Access Plan. Publication No. PEP24-05-001MD. Office of Behavioral Health Equity and Office of Communications, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/language-access-plan-pep24-05-001.pdf ↩︎
SAMSHA. (2023). Behavioral Health Equity. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/behavioral-health-equity ↩︎

Updated on December 12th, 2024