Availability and accessibility of mental health services to deaf and hard of hearing people in the state of Kansas.

Abstract

The present study investigated the availability and accessibility of mental health services for deaf and hard of hearing people in the state of Kansas. Historically deaf people have not received mental health services in a traditional manner due to the differences in language and culture. Because of the hearing loss, deaf people are protected under several Federal and state laws when considering mental health services. Directors of community mental health centers were asked to complete an return a survey pertaining to services offered to this population. Twenty-four of 30 directors returned the survey, two of whom declined to provide information. Nineteen centers had served deaf people in the past. Although 86% indicated that they had provided services, only 86% indicated they would be able to provide services to this population. Only half of the centers have staff who have had orientation in working with the complexities of deaf and hard of hearing clientele. More training and research needs to be conducted in order to adequately serve this population in the state of Kansas.