The current state of the mental health system is a conversation that echoes in the halls of policy-making, the corners of social advocacy, and within the private struggles of individuals and families. As we continue to witness an unprecedented need for robust mental health support, the shortcomings of the existing system become more glaring. It is within this backdrop that we seek the insight of those who are at the forefront of behavioral health. In this interview series, we are talking to behavioral health leaders, policymakers, mental health practitioners, advocates, and reformers to share their perspectives on healing our broken mental health system. As a part of this interview series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Lina Haji.
Dr. Lina Haji is a licensed clinical psychologist and licensed mental health counselor specializing in psychodiagnostic assessment, forensic assessment, dual diagnosis, serious and persistent mental illness, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and substance abuse treatment. She was trained at the master’s and doctoral level in the assessment and treatment of individuals ranging from mild psychiatric symptoms to those with serious and persistent mental illness, dually diagnosed patients, as well as personality disordered patients and psychopathy. Her ultimate goal as a psychologist, regardless of population, is to accurately diagnose and identify patient strengths and areas for growth in order to better individualize treatment needs and goals.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your childhood backstory?
Iam French, Indian from Tanzania, born in Switzerland and raised in New York. My parents worked for the United Nations and instilled in me a great passion for social justice. I knew at the tender age of nine that that passion was going to be channeled by becoming a psychologist for disenfranchised populations. I have never looked back and would do it all over if I had to.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My favorite “life lesson quote” is by Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave and abolitionist leader: “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” I find this quote to be applicable in many areas of life, including mental health, physical health, relationships, financial areas and so forth. I have certainly faced my own struggles as all humans have, but I find that they have indeed led to progress in many areas.
Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. It is often said that “the mental health system in America is broken”. What does that statement mean to you? From your perspective what is “broken” today?
From my perspective, “the mental health system in America is broken” points mainly to the lack of access to care, particularly for individuals from low socioeconomic status. Unfortunately, we see too often that those who come from impoverished backgrounds don’t receive any intervention until a crisis has emerged. Often that crisis entails situations that could have been prevented such as substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, trauma, incarceration, and loss. If mental health access was more affordable, providers weren’t burdened with impossible caseloads, and prevention was made a priority, we would without a doubt avoid much needless pain and suffering.
What about any bright spots? Do you think there are any elements that we get right in today’s world that we wouldn’t want to reverse unintentionally?
I think one bright spot is that the masses are finally discussing mental health openly and stigma is starting to fade away. That’s the first step in encouraging our socio-political leaders to realize the importance of addressing the mental health system.
In your opinion, what are the 5 most impactful things that could help heal the broken mental health system? These could be on any level including training, workforce, policy, culture, equity etc.
1 . Vote for politicians who make a conscious effort to discuss and support mental healthcare for all.
2 . Make higher education more affordable so that more individuals can become mental health providers.
3 . Build and fund more community mental health spaces in all neighborhoods with a focus on preventative care.
FULL ARTICLE, HERE