While the mental health crisis chooses no gender, there are specific issues that affect men and women, and the mental health sector must take different approaches in addressing these issues. According to Matthew Braman, LCSW, LCSW-C, Founder and CEO of Verve Psychotherapy, there are several barriers that men face in accessing therapy and other mental health services, and these require substantial action and social change to solve. He enumerated three major barriers and some possible ways on how these can be addressed, which involve significant social and systemic change.
Social stigma on men's mental health
Braman says that there is a certain stigma for heterosexual men in seeking professional mental health help, because of macho culture demanding that “real men” must be self-sufficient and handle their problems on their own. Mental health experts use the concept of the “man box” to explain how men are bound by culture and gender expectations in how they approach mental health. According to Braman, the “man box” is a set of rules, cultural norms and social expectations on how a man should act and how they should think or feel. He says that using the concept helps a lot of men connect to the realization that they have been victimized and have experienced a negative impact from traditional and patriarchal masculine attitudes.
These kinds of forces shape the development and identity of men, as well as their ability to create and maintain relationships with other people. Seeking therapy is usually considered feminine or feminized and is seen as a weakness. Those kinds of associations can turn men off from the idea of asking for help.
Braman says addressing this stigma is a complicated task, and that we, as a society, must talk about how we are all impacted by harmful masculinity and examine how social narratives can help or hurt people. He says there should be more attention paid to men who are doing well in their mental health in order to change the culture around male mental health. There should also be awareness building campaigns that encourage men to reach out and seek help, as well as highlight the harmful impact of silence that maintains or contributes to the stigma. In his professional practice, Braman maintains a digital presence that speaks out and advocates for changes in public opinion, using messaging that is grounded in compassion and empathy.
Financial and systemic barriers
The lack of universal healthcare in the United States has made it incredibly difficult for people to access mental health services. Furthermore, the expectation for men to be the primary providers and breadwinners for the family. Braman says the convoluted insurance model in the US also makes it difficult for men to seek therapy, especially in rural and suburban areas where there is a lack of mental health therapists. Many mental health providers work out of network, so they do not contract with insurance companies. This makes the upfront cost a huge barrier for many people that are financially disadvantaged. Furthermore, having to drive a couple of hours to the nearest city can discourage people from going for therapy, as they believe this time is better spent working or resting.
Braman believes that there needs to be major changes in the US healthcare system to increase accessibility of all kinds of healthcare services, including mental health therapy. Verve Psychotherapy and many other private practices in metropolitan areas provide their clients with a monthly document called a super bill. Clients can submit that document to their insurance company to claim reimbursement with their out-of-network benefits, depending on their coverage.
Difficulty of finding a therapist
Braman says that the prior two barriers can result in many men just not knowing where to start. Because of the stigma or the inexperience with having therapy, these men just do not know how to find a therapist. They lack the knowledge on how to find a therapist with the specialization or experience to treat their specific issues and needs. Smaller mental health practices can also get overwhelmed with inquiry emails and consultation requests from clients, and the failure to reply can frustrate or discourage the person seeking therapy.
Braman says Verve Psychotherapy has committed to following up and responding to all emails and phone calls from clients to address their questions or consultation requests. He believes that a 100% response rate to outreach attempts should be standard for a mental health practice, but the reality is that many practices are understaffed. Additionally, increased public and private funding can go a long way in ensuring that supply of mental healthcare services can keep up with demand.
"Men's mental health has been minimized, misunderstood, and overlooked for generations. Breaking down barriers to help men connect with mental health treatment and therapeutic support is critical to their overall health and wellness. By encouraging men to ask for and engage with therapeutic support, we not only empower them to overcome challenges but also nurture emotional growth, stronger relationships, family bonds, and healthier communities." says Braman.
Media contact:
Name: Matthew Braman, LCSW, LCSW-C, Founder and CEO of Verve Psychotherapy
Email: [email protected]
