JACKSON, Wyo. — A new initiative has been launched to expand access to mental health support for Spanish-speaking community members.
The Mental Wellness Collaborative (TMWC) is using two grants to run the pilot program, which seeks to increase options for “affordable, culturally responsive” mental health resources in Spanish. According to a Friday press release from TMWC, the venture was created in response to the findings of the Behavioral Health Needs Assessments from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole.
The assessment findings show “significant gaps in mental health access for Latino and Spanish-speaking community members,” reads the statement. “Barriers such as cost, transportation challenges, a shortage of Spanish-speaking providers and the challenges of seeking care in a small community contribute to ongoing unmet mental health needs.”
Through this program, community members will be able to access virtual mental health sessions with licensed, native Spanish-speaking psychologists from Mexico, Argentina and Venezuela. Per TMWC, the selected online therapy platform Sanarai offers private and flexible counseling services in Spanish. Each session takes place via Zoom and lasts 50 minutes. Patients can schedule their sessions at times that fit their needs.
Financial support of 50% and 100% is offered for the program, ensuring that individuals can choose the level that best matches their circumstances. All Spanish speakers in the community, regardless of insurance status or citizenship, are welcome to participate. The news release states that no data will be collected on immigration status, insurance or documentation.
“We know there is a deep need for affordable and culturally responsive mental health care for Spanish-speaking members of our community,” said TMWC Executive Director Charlotte Alexander via press release. “This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to reducing barriers and expanding access to care in meaningful ways.”
