Access and Appropriateness: Counseling is for Everyone

Counseling is an essential resource accessible to all individuals. In a recent blog, I addressed the importance of inclusivity in therapy, emphasizing that therapy is for everyone, regardless of background or ability. However, it's critical to acknowledge that some individuals, particularly those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), face barriers in accessing appropriate therapy services.

Unfortunately, there persists a misconception that individuals with IDD are unable to benefit from counseling. Whether due to limitations in counselors' abilities, misconceptions about the needs of individuals with IDD, or stereotypes suggesting they do not require mental health support, such beliefs are unacceptable, and wrong.

Research underscores the urgent need for mental health services tailored to individuals with IDD. Shockingly, individuals with IDD are three to four times more likely to experience trauma-related stress disorders compared to the neurotypical population. Moreover, conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma are often concerns, but frequently under-diagnosed among this group, therefore, under treated.

It is unjust that individuals with IDD, who experience similar mental health concerns as others, are deprived of adequate mental health care. My colleague, Maya Hu-Morabito, and I had the esteemed pleasure of presenting on this very topic at the New York Mental Health Counseling Associations (NYMHCA) 2024 conference, where we engaged with approximately 30 counseling professionals dedicated to enhancing mental health treatment for individuals with IDD.

Inclusive mental health treatment is a personal passion of mine, and it is incumbent upon counselors to adapt their approaches to meet the diverse needs of all clients. Our presentation focused on equipping counselors with practical strategies for working with individuals with IDD, emphasizing the importance of kindness, compassion, and tailored therapeutic modalities.

While accommodating the needs of individuals with IDD may present challenges, it is entirely feasible with the right tools and mindset. Counselors must deepen their understanding of IDD, including co-morbid mental health concerns, and tailor their approaches accordingly. Adaptations to therapy modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are achievable, with resources available to facilitate this process.

During our session, we emphasized the importance of utilizing visual aids, role-playing exercises, mindfulness techniques, and other supportive tools to enhance therapy outcomes for individuals with IDD. Additional resources, such as the DMID-2 and works by Julie Brown ("The emotion regulation skills system for cognitively challenged clients) and Karyn Harvey ("Trauma and healing in the lives of people with intellectual disability) provide valuable insights into serving this population effectively.

Moving forward, it is imperative that discussions surrounding access and appropriateness of mental health care for individuals with IDD continue. By fostering greater awareness and inclusivity within the counseling community, we can ensure that no individual is left behind in their pursuit of mental wellness.