The area of focus for my capstone project and needs assessment is increasing access to mental health care for underserved populations.

2. Regional area in which I am focusing my needs assessment:

I am focusing my needs assessment on the regional area of the state of California.

3. Population, community, or group with whom I will consult:

I will consult with the following populations, communities, and groups to address the specific need I have identified:

• Underserved populations, such as people of color, people living in poverty, and people living in rural areas
• Mental health professionals
• Mental health advocacy groups
• Policymakers and government officials

4. Why I selected this group and why this population is integral to my area of focus or the focus of my advocacy:

I selected this group because they are all stakeholders in the mental health care system and have a unique perspective on the needs of underserved populations. Underserved populations are disproportionately affected by mental illness, but they are also less likely to have access to high-quality mental health care. Mental health professionals can provide insights into the challenges that underserved populations face in accessing mental health care and the best ways to improve access. Mental health advocacy groups can provide insights into the policy changes that are needed to improve access to mental health care. Policymakers and government officials have the power to make the policy changes that are needed to improve access to mental health care.

5. How I will consult with them:

I will consult with the populations, communities, and groups listed above through a variety of methods, including:

• Focus groups
• Interviews
• Surveys
• Town hall meetings
• Public hearings

I will also review existing research and data on mental health care access for underserved populations.

6. Ideal state or situation:

The ideal state or situation would be a world in which everyone has access to high-quality mental health care, regardless of their race, ethnicity, income, or place of residence.

7. Potential challenges or barriers to completing the needs assessment:

Some potential challenges or barriers to completing the needs assessment include:

• Accessing underserved populations
• Obtaining funding for the needs assessment
• Developing and implementing effective data collection methods
• Analyzing the data and reporting the findings

How to address or mitigate those challenges or barriers:

To address or mitigate the challenges or barriers listed above, I will:

• Work with community partners to access underserved populations
• Seek funding from a variety of sources, such as government grants, foundation grants, and individual donations
• Develop data collection methods that are culturally sensitive and accessible to underserved populations
• Hire a qualified data analyst to help me analyze the data and report the findings

I am confident that I can overcome the challenges and barriers to completing the needs assessment and provide valuable information that can be used to improve access to mental health care for underserved populations.

Additional Thoughts

I believe that increasing access to mental health care for underserved populations is a critical issue. Mental illness is a major public health problem, and it is important to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.

My needs assessment will provide valuable information that can be used to improve access to mental health care for underserved populations. The information I collect will be used to identify the specific needs of underserved populations, develop strategies to address those needs, and advocate for policy changes that will improve access to mental health care.

I am committed to working with the populations, communities, and groups listed above to ensure that everyone has access to the mental health care they need.