Description
*Use material from previous CAPSTONE assignments that you’ve helped me with for this Literature Review Assignment (See Attachments*)
A literature review is a critical summary of published scholarly research on a particular topic. Completing a literature review helps you become familiar with current thinking on a topic; by demonstrating this familiarity, you enable readers to understand the topic being investigated. [MO 3.2, MO 3.3]
Instructions
In preparation for writing your literature review, please give careful attention to the way in which you will organize your sources. Your literature review must contain at least 10 credible sources with appropriate citations in APA or MLA format (depending on your discipline). As you organize and synthesize your information, use citations and references appropriately. In all cases, remain true to the context of your sources, taking care not to misrepresent or quote out of context. This assignment must contain the following sections.
Introduction (Connection to Discipline and Explanation of the Issues)
Explain the issues and make a connection to your discipline. Introduce the topic with reference to your thesis or main question in the opening paragraph.
Describe the issue or problem clearly and with enough relevant information that your reader will fully understand it. Make connections between your topic and important theories/facts/examples from your discipline or area of study (e.g., psychology, history). The purpose of the literature review is not to answer your questions but to situate your topic within the wider literature on the subject matter.
Source Finding Analysis (Accessing Information and Evaluating Sources)
What databases did you use to find potential sources and why? (Reminder: Google and other search engines are not databases. Use the New Jersey State Library database resources.) What key word searches did you use, and which were most effective? What database or key word did you exclude from your search, and why? How did you make sure that your information sources were highly relevant?
Explain how you evaluated and selected sources to use for this project. How do you know your selected sources are appropriate to your research question? How do you know you have chosen a variety of sources that are appropriate for the scope of your project?
How did you make sure that you were fully complying with all ethical and legal restrictions on the use of published, confidential, and/or proprietary information?
Themes (Use Information Effectively to Accomplish a Specific Purpose)
Synthesize the information from your sources in order to help your reader fully understand your topic’s background and relevant issues. What main themes emerge in the literature on this topic? What do different sources have to say about these themes? What patterns, differences, or similarities emerge from the sources? What significant scholarly disagreements have you noticed? Provide your reader with a sufficient breadth of the topic under your themes or means of organizing your sources so that the reader can be aware of and acquainted with the topic’s background and relevant issues. Be sure to situate the topic within a larger context and draw out themes and key ideas.
Curiosity (Sources and Evidence)
What information have you found that illustrates both your interest and rich awareness of your topic? Why is this information so interesting? What ideas are you developing that are appropriate for your discipline?
Conclusion (Summary)
Finally, after you have completed the body of your review, provide a paragraph summary. What have you learned thus far?
Keep in mind, the literature review is not an extended annotated bibliography whereby you list each source you have read and provide a brief synopsis of it. Rather, the literature review is a running narrative that develops the background and context for your topic. Finally, additional research should continue to be done throughout the course until the final submission of the capstone project (which must include at least 15 sources in the final bibliography).
Submit Written Assignment 3 to your mentor for grading. Consult the Course Calendar for due dates.
Note: This assignment corresponds to or addresses the following Bachelor of Arts (BA) outcomes:
Students explain key terms, concepts, and theories in an area of study in the arts and sciences.
Students apply critical-thinking skills to problems in an area of study in the arts and sciences.
Students communicate effectively in written form.
Students apply research methods appropriate to the discipline.
Your work on this assignment should reflect your ability to:
Connect examples, facts, or theories from chosen area of study. [BA 1.2: Connection to discipline]
Explore a topic in-depth, yielding insight and/or information indicating interest in the subject. [BA 1.3: Curiosity]
Issue/problem to be considered critically is stated, described, and clarified so that understanding is not seriously impeded by omissions. [BA 2.3: Explanation of the issues]
Organize evidence to reveal important patterns, differences, or similarities related to focus. [BA 2.5: Analysis]
Consistently use credible, relevant sources to support ideas that are appropriate for the discipline and genre of the writing. [BA 3.4: Sources and evidence]
Access information using a variety of search strategies and some relevant information sources. [BA 4.2: Access needed information]
Choose a variety of information sources appropriate to the scope and discipline of the research question; select sources using multiple criteria (such as relevance to the research question, currency, and authority.) [BA 4.3: Evaluate information and its sources critically]
Communicate, organize, and synthesize information from sources to successfully achieve the intended purpose.
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Access Disparities to Mental Health Resources in Low-Income Communities
Malcolm Thomas
Thomas Edison State University
Liberal Arts Capstone
12/17/23
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Access Disparities to Mental Health Resources in Low-Income Communities
Introduction
In low-income communities across the United States, access disparities to mental health
resources present significant challenges. These disparities are entrenched in various socioeconomic factors, such as shortages of mental health professionals, financial barriers, limited
infrastructure, and cultural stigmas (Amin & Goswami, 2019). They form a complex web that
impedes the availability and accessibility of essential mental health services. The intersection of
economic hardships and mental health exacerbates the situation, where individuals in these
communities often find themselves navigating a landscape marked by scarcity and inadequacy.
This paper aims to delve into the challenges surrounding access to mental health resources in
these communities.
Background and Rationale
The reported disparity in mental health care accessibility between low-income and
higher-income regions is the backdrop for this study. Although there is a strong correlation
between economically challenged locations and poor mental wellness results, low-income groups
do not have equal access to essential resources (Kariisa et al., 2022). The rationale for choosing
this topic lies in the urgent need to understand why this disparity exists and to identify potential
solutions. As someone committed to a career in Mental/Behavioral Health counselling,
addressing this issue aligns with the professional goals of fostering equitable mental health care.
Personal Interest
My interest in this issue stems from the first-hand knowledge I have obtained working in
the mental/behavioral health field for the past 20 years. Observing the difficulties that people in
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low-income neighborhoods encounter inspires me to add to the conversation about how to
improve mental wellness results for these marginalized groups.
Relevance to Professional Life
Exploring the access gaps to mental health resources in low-income communities holds
profound relevance to my professional life. It directly aligns with the pursuit of a career in
Mental/Behavioral Health counseling, providing an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the
field by addressing a prevalent issue affecting vulnerable populations.
Key Words
Keywords may encompass mental health, low-income communities, access disparities,
mental health resources, socioeconomic factors, and mental health outcomes.
Purpose of the Paper
The paper aims to examine the current issue of low-income populations’ restricted use of
mental wellness resources. The goal is to comprehend the underlying causes, consequences, and
possible remedies for this problem. Policymakers, anybody interested in advancing mental
wellness equity, and professionals in the field may be among the target demographic. My voice
is that of a knowledgeable activist, working to highlight differences and promote constructive
change.
Key Points and Main Questions
1. How did the problem of limited access to mental health resources in low-income
communities come about?
2. What are the effects of inadequate mental health services on individuals in economically
disadvantaged areas?
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3. What best should be done to improve access to mental health resources in low-income
communities?
Preliminary Problem Statement
A notable discrepancy in getting mental illness care exists between low-income and
higher-income populations. This paper aims to investigate the causes of this issue, how it affects
mental health outcomes, and offer workable ideas for building a fairer mental health support
system.
Summary
This paper will examine the difficulties associated with low-income populations’
availability of resources for mental wellness. The main goals are comprehending the issue and its
implications and developing workable remedies. By focusing on these areas, the study hopes to
advance the mental/behavioral health counseling profession and promote a more readily
available system of mental wellness care for everyone.
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References
Amin, R., & Goswami, P. (2019). A Study on the Mental Health of Women in Rural Areas of
Assam.
Kariisa, M., Davis, N. L., Kumar, S., Seth, P., Mattson, C. L., Chowdhury, F., & Jones, C. M.
(2022). Vital signs: drug overdose deaths, by selected sociodemographic and social
determinants of health characteristics—25 states and the District of Columbia, 2019–
2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 71(29), 940.
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Access Disparities to Mental Health Resources in Low-Income Communities
I. Introduction
A. Several complicated socioeconomic variables, including a lack of mental health
specialists, financial obstacles, inadequate infrastructure, and cultural stigmas, contribute
to access gaps to mental health resources in low-income regions in the United States. The
purpose of this essay is to examine the difficulties these discrepancies present.
1. Challenges in Mental Health Resource Availability for Low-Income Communities.
2. Understanding the Link Between Economic Status and Mental Health Access.
3. Empowering Change.
II. Challenges in Mental Health Resource Availability for Low-Income Communities
A. Shortages of Mental Health Professionals
1. There are not many licensed mental health specialists in low-income communities.
2. Effect on residents’ capacity to obtain prompt and sufficient mental health care.
3. The difficulties legislators have in resolving the shortfall.
B. Financial Barriers
1. Due to financial difficulties, People cannot afford or seek mental health care (The
Cohen Veterans Network, 2022).
2. Differences in health insurance coverage and their effect on accessibility to mental
health services.
3. The function of government aid initiatives in reducing financial obstacles.
C. Limited Infrastructure and Cultural Stigmas
1. Inadequate mental health facilities and infrastructure in low-income communities.
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2. The influence of cultural stigmas on mental health-seeking behavior (Wainberg et al.,
2017).
3. Strategies to address infrastructure limitations and cultural perceptions.
III. Understanding the Link Between Economic Status and Mental Health Access
A. Disparity in Mental Health Care Accessibility
1. Correlation between economically challenged locations and poor mental wellness
outcomes (Knifton & Inglis, 2020).
2. Unequal access to essential mental health resources in low-income groups.
3. Insights from studies on the link between economic status and mental health access.
B. Rationale for Topic Choice
1. There is an urgent need to understand the origins of disparities and identify potential
solutions (Kariisa et al., 2022).
2. Alignment with the goals of fostering equitable mental health care in the
Mental/Behavioral Health counseling field.
3. Personal and professional motivation to contribute meaningfully to the discourse.
C. Personal Interest
1. First-hand experience in the mental/behavioral health field over the past 20 years.
2. Observations of challenges faced by individuals in low-income neighborhoods.
3. Dedication to improving mental wellness outcomes for marginalized groups.
IV. Empowering Change
A. Alignment with the pursuit of a career in Mental/Behavioral Health Counseling:
1. The program offers specialized courses that align with the skills and knowledge
required in Mental/Behavioral Health Counseling.
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2. Practical experiences gained from internships enable students to apply academic
principles in real-world counseling contexts.
3. Networking opportunities with mental health specialists and practitioners facilitate
the transition from academic research to professional practice (Happell et al., 2022).
B. Opportunities to contribute meaningfully by addressing prevalent issues in vulnerable
populations:
1. To prepare students to work with various people, especially those in vulnerable areas,
the curriculum strongly emphasizes developing a thorough awareness of varied
populations.
2. The practical approaches for dealing with problems, including trauma, addiction, and
mental health inequalities in marginalized communities, are the main focus of
fieldwork and case studies (World Health Organization, 2022).
3. Group discussions and cooperative projects increase graduates’ cultural competency
knowledge, enabling them to interact with and assist customers from various
backgrounds.
C. The potential for a positive impact on mental health support systems in low-income
communities
1. Modules of community-based therapies and approaches to provide mental health
services in contexts with low resources are included in specialized coursework (Kohrt
et al., 2018).
2. Through community collaborations and outreach programs, students may get
involved and directly contribute to mental health efforts in low-income regions.
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3. The program’s focus on social justice and activism prepares graduates to be change
agents by supporting better mental health legislation and resources in marginalized
areas.
V. Conclusion
A. This study identifies critical challenges and proposes a transformative approach through
education, emphasizing the potential for positive change in mental health support systems
for marginalized communities.
1. Examination of challenges related to mental health resource access in low-income
populations.
2. Comprehension of underlying causes, consequences, and potential remedies.
3. Aim to advance the mental health counseling profession and promote a more
accessible mental wellness care system.
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Narrative
Scope of the project
The main goal of this study project is to examine how differently low-income
communities in the US have access to mental health resources. The principal objectives
encompass comprehending the underlying factors that contribute to restricted accessibility,
scrutinizing the ramifications encountered by people residing in economically deprived regions,
and putting forth feasible remedies to augment accessibility. The study thoroughly examines
several obstacles, including a lack of mental health specialists, budgetary constraints, inadequate
infrastructure, and cultural stigmas in low-income areas. The research question is formulated
using leading questions and important points to explore the problem’s historical evolution,
personal effects, and possible solutions. The scope is deemed appropriate as it allows for a
focused exploration of the factors contributing to the access disparities in mental health resources
without becoming overly broad. By delving into the identified challenges and proposing a
transformative approach through education and community involvement, the research aims to
contribute meaningfully to the discourse on mental health equity.
The Key Concepts
Several key concepts emerge in the pursuit of understanding and addressing access
disparities to mental health resources in low-income communities. The first concept is
“socioeconomic factors,” encompassing elements like shortages of mental health professionals,
financial barriers, limited infrastructure, and cultural stigmas. These factors create a complex
web hindering the availability of essential mental health services. The second concept is the
“correlation between economic status and mental health access,” indicating that individuals in
economically challenged areas face poor mental wellness outcomes and unequal access to crucial
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resources. The third concept involves “personal and professional motivation,” highlighting the
researcher’s commitment to a Mental/Behavioral Health counseling career and the urgent need to
understand and address disparities. Finally, the fourth concept is “community-based
interventions,” acknowledging the potential role of local initiatives in mitigating access gaps.
Collectively, these concepts form the foundation for researching, studying, and analyzing the
multifaceted issue of limited access to mental health resources in low-income communities.
Information Sources
In researching the disparities in mental health resource access in low-income
communities, I have primarily relied on scholarly articles and reputable sources to gather
comprehensive and reliable information. The references provided in the essay offer insights into
various aspects of the topic. The Cohen Veterans Network (2022) study and the Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report by Kariisa et al. (2022) contribute valuable data on the lack of access
as a root cause for the mental health crisis in the United States, emphasizing the financial barriers
faced by individuals in seeking mental health care. These sources highlight the immediate
relevance of financial obstacles in low-income communities, aligning with the essay’s
exploration of mental health resource availability challenges. The work of Knifton and Inglis
(2020) sheds light on the disparity in mental health care accessibility related to economic status,
offering insights into the correlation between economically challenged locations and poor mental
wellness outcomes. This information supports the section discussing the link between economic
status and mental health access.
In line with the essay’s consideration of inadequate infrastructure and cultural stigmas in
low-income areas, Wainberg et al. (2017) thoroughly analyze cultural stigmas and their effects
on behavior related to obtaining mental health care. The World Health Organization’s
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information sheet (2022) gives a worldwide outlook on mental health and puts the difficulties
encountered in low-income areas in further context. This source broadens the understanding of
mental health disparities and supports the essay’s goal of identifying potential remedies and
advancing mental health care. The article by Happell et al. (2022) is essential for discussing
strategies for implementing expert-by-experience positions in mental health academia,
reinforcing the empowerment of change aspect in the essay, particularly regarding pursuing a
career in Mental/Behavioral Health Counseling.
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References
Happell, B., Donovan, A. O., Warner, T., Sharrock, J., & Gordon, S. (2022). Creating or taking
opportunity: Strategies for implementing expert by experience positions in mental health
academia. Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing, 29(4), 592-602.
Kariisa, M., Davis, N. L., Kumar, S., Seth, P., Mattson, C. L., Chowdhury, F., & Jones, C. M.
(2022). Vital signs: drug overdose deaths, by selected sociodemographic and social
determinants of health characteristics—25 states and the District of Columbia, 2019–
2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 71(29), 940.
Knifton, L., & Inglis, G. (2020). Poverty and mental health: policy, practice and research
implications. BJPsych bulletin, 44(5), 193-196.
Kohrt, B. A., Asher, L., Bhardwaj, A., Fazel, M., Jordans, M. J., Mutamba, B. B., … & Patel, V.
(2018). The role of communities in mental health care in low-and middle-income
countries: a meta-review of components and competencies. International journal of
environmental research and public health, 15(6), 1279.
The Cohen Veterans Network. (2022, November 17). Study reveals lack of access as root cause
for mental health crisis in America. National Council for Mental
Wellbeing. https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/news/lack-of-access-root-cause-mentalhealth-crisis-in-america/
Wainberg, M. L., Scorza, P., Shultz, J. M., Helpman, L., Mootz, J. J., Johnson, K. A., … &
Arbuckle, M. R. (2017). Challenges and opportunities in global mental health: a researchto-practice perspective. Current psychiatry reports, 19, 1-10.
World Health Organization. (2022, June 17). Mental health. World Health Organization
(WHO). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-
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