Expanding Access to Culturally Focused Therapy in New York

Mental health disparities remain a critical issue, particularly in diverse communities where cultural representation among therapists is limited. Research from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) highlights that culturally competent care leads to better patient engagement and improved behavioral health outcomes.

To improve health equity and increase access to care, the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New York, in collaboration with The Healing Hub and Say Yes Buffalo, has launched the Clinicians of Color Program—an initiative designed to enhance behavioral health support for Medicaid-eligible individuals.

What are the Clinicians of Color Program?

This program is designed to support Medicaid-eligible residents and low-income individuals by training clinicians of color in culturally competent therapy approaches. The initiative is supported by a $100,000 investment from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New York and provides:

• Specialized training in culturally tailored behavioral health counseling
• Financial support for licensing, credentialing, and exam fees
• Clinical supervision to enhance therapist qualifications
• Professional development & marketing support

Training Focus Areas

The program equips clinicians with skills in:

✅ Trauma-informed care for racialized trauma
✅ Indigenous psychotherapy methods
✅ Family engagement & culturally sensitive communication
✅ Strength-based mental health interventions
✅ Culturally competent approaches to depression and grief treatment

Program Impact & Access to Services

The first cohort of 15 clinicians began training on January 1, 2024. Each participant is committed to providing five hours of free counseling per month to eligible residents of Buffalo, with a focus on those covered under Medicaid and other community-based programs.

📌 Residents may qualify for low-cost or no-cost mental health services under Medicaid Managed Care or other behavioral health initiatives.

Upon completion of the program, clinicians will submit quarterly reports for two years to evaluate the impact of culturally tailored therapy on mental health outcomes among Medicaid beneficiaries.

Commitment to Medicaid & Health Equity

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan is dedicated to enhancing Medicaid benefits and access to culturally competent behavioral health services in New York and beyond.

📢 For more information on how Medicaid covers behavioral health services, visit:
🔹 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
🔹 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
🔹 Medicaid.gov
🔹 Healing Hub
🔹 Say Yes Buffalo

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