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Working with Clients with Disabilities
Over 17 million adults with disabilities reported experiencing mental distress. They experience mental distress at a rate of 3x more than the general population.
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Clients with disabilities receive mental health counseling at 2x the rate of the general population (APA)
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The community of adults with disabilities report higher rates of suicidality and substance use (Pew)
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Higher rates of negative outcomes in therapy have been associated with ableism (Conner, K.J. et al.)
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Nearly a third of adults with disabilities experience mental distress (NIH)
Additional Resources
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APA - Guidelines for Assessment and Intervention with Persons with Disabilities
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The Counseling Psychologist - Psychotherapy Experiences Of U.S. Adults with Physical Disabilties
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Yale - Ableism cited as major barrier to mental health care for people with disbabilities
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Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy - Working with Clients with Disabilities
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NBCC - Considerations for Counseling Clients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
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United Cerebral Palsy - Mental Health Support for People with Disabilities
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Healthline - Personalizing Psychotherapy for People Living with Disability
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