Healing A Broken Mental Health System: Najla Wortham Of The Rock Creek Foundation On 5 Things That Can Be Done To Fix Our Broken Mental Health System
An Interview With Stephanie Greer
Poverty is strongly associated with higher rates of mental health disorders due to factors such as chronic stress, limited access to resources, unstable housing, and exposure to violence. Individuals living in poverty often face barriers to accessing mental health services, including financial constraints, lack of insurance coverage, and transportation challenges.
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 Najla Wortham.
As the President of The Rock Creek Foundation, Najla Wortham brings over 16 years of experience in the fields of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and severe and persistent mental illness. Najla has been instrumental in leading Rock Creek’s mission to empower individuals to reach their full potential.
Under Najla’s leadership, Rock Creek has expanded its reach and impact, providing vital support and resources to the most vulnerable populations. Through innovative service delivery models and a commitment to evidence-based practices, Najla has led the organization in achieving positive outcomes, transforming lives, and building healthier, more resilient communities.
Najla is a proud alumna of two prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Bowie State University. Since becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in 2012, she has been deeply committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to comprehensive support and resources to thrive.
Najla is a staunch advocate for mental health and disability rights, actively participating in countless advocacy efforts to promote policy changes and raise awareness about the importance of accessible and equitable services. Additionally, Najla serves on several advisory boards and committees, contributing expertise and insight to drive meaningful systematic change and inspire others to join in the journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
Najla made history as the first African American woman to assume the role of President at Rock Creek. Her leadership is grounded in the fundamental belief in the inherent worth and potential of every individual.
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 please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” John F. Kennedy
This quote speaks to the essence of my journey and purpose. It reminds me that even as one individual, I have the power to effect meaningful change in the lives of those we serve and the broader community.
It inspires me to approach each day with a sense of purpose and determination, knowing that my actions, no matter how small they may seem, can have a ripple effect of positivity and transformation.
In my role, I see firsthand the incredible resilience and potential of the individuals we support. They inspire me to strive for excellence, to advocate on their behalf, and to create opportunities for growth and empowerment. Each interaction, each success story, reaffirms my belief in the inherent worth and capabilities of every person, and fuels my commitment to fostering a world where everyone has the chance to thrive.
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 statement “the mental health system in America is broken” resonates deeply with the reality we face today. It signifies a profound failure in providing adequate support and care for individuals struggling with mental health challenges, particularly the most vulnerable populations. The brokenness manifests in various ways, including limited access to quality mental health services, disparities in care based on socioeconomic status and race, insufficient funding and resources for mental health programs, stigma surrounding mental illness, and gaps in coordination between mental health providers and other social services.
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?
Yes, amidst the challenges within the mental health landscape, there are certainly bright spots and elements that we have gotten right and should strive to maintain and enhance.
One notable bright spot is the increasing awareness and destigmatization of mental health issues in society, which I think could be attributed to celebrities sharing their personal journeys. Over recent years, there has been a significant shift in public attitudes toward mental health, with greater acceptance, empathy, and understanding surrounding these issues. This cultural shift has encouraged more open conversations about mental health, reduced stigma, and promoted help-seeking behaviors among individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Moreover, advancements in mental health treatment and intervention strategies represent another bright spot. Specifically, innovative approaches, such as teletherapy and digital mental health platforms, have expanded access to mental health care, particularly for underserved populations and those in remote areas.
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.
- Investment in Mental Health Infrastructure
- Integration of Mental Health into Primary Care
- Workforce Development and Training
- Promotion of Mental Health Equity
- Destigmatization and Mental Health Education
If all of the items on your list were magically implemented tomorrow what change might we see in the world? What are the signs (big and small) that would show us that the system is being healed?
By implementing these strategies and addressing systemic challenges within the mental health system, we can work towards building a more equitable, accessible, and effective mental health care system that meets the diverse needs of individuals and communities.
What is a project you or others are working on today that gives you hope? How can our readers learn more about this work?
One project that gives me immense hope is our collaborative effort with ASG to establish a Social Services Hub that would serve three local counties within our state. This innovative initiative aims to holistically address the diverse needs of our community members by centralizing access to essential services under one roof.
Through the Social Services Hub, individuals and families will have streamlined access to a wide range of resources, including food assistance, housing support, employment opportunities, healthcare services, and assistance with obtaining and maintaining entitlements and benefits. By bringing these critical services together in a single location, we can eliminate barriers to access and provide comprehensive support to those in need.
To learn more about this transformative project and how you can support our efforts, I encourage readers to visit our website or reach out to our team for more information.
How do you see technology shaping the future of mental health care and its accessibility?
Telehealth services and digital platforms enable individuals to access mental health care remotely, overcoming geographical barriers and increasing convenience. Overall, technology has the potential to revolutionize mental health care by increasing access, personalizing treatment, and empowering individuals to take an active role in managing their mental well-being.
In your view, how do social factors like poverty, education, and culture affect mental health care and its effectiveness?
- Poverty: Poverty is strongly associated with higher rates of mental health disorders due to factors such as chronic stress, limited access to resources, unstable housing, and exposure to violence. Individuals living in poverty often face barriers to accessing mental health services, including financial constraints, lack of insurance coverage, and transportation challenges.
- Education: Investing in mental health education and awareness programs in schools can help destigmatize mental illness, promote early intervention, and build resilience among students.
- Culture: Culture shapes beliefs, attitudes, and practices related to mental health, influencing how mental illness is perceived, expressed, and treated within different communities. Cultural competence in mental health care involves understanding and respecting the cultural backgrounds of individuals, adapting treatment approaches to align with cultural values and beliefs, and addressing cultural barriers to care.
I believe, by addressing systemic inequalities, promoting education and awareness, and embracing cultural diversity, we can create more inclusive and responsive mental health systems that meet the needs of all individuals and communities.
In light of the growing mental health crisis among young people, what innovative approaches or interventions have proven most successful for children and adolescents?
- School-Based Mental Health Services
- Peer Support Programs
- Prevention and Early Intervention Initiative
Implementing these innovative approaches and interventions, communities can effectively address the mental health needs of children and adolescents, promote early intervention, and foster resilience to support positive mental health outcomes.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. :-)
One influential person I would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with is Melinda Gates. Her dedication to addressing global health issues, empowering women, and girls, and advocating for social justice aligns closely with my personal values, as well as the mission and values of RCF.
Meeting with Melinda Gates would provide an invaluable opportunity to discuss innovative approaches to tackling complex social challenges, exchanging ideas, and potentially collaborating on initiatives that drive positive change in our communities.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
On all social media platforms, and on our website.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful answers. I know many people will gain so much from hearing this.
About The Interviewer: Stephanie Greer, PhD is the Co-founder and CEO of Akin Mental Health — a company dedicated to guiding families on their journey supporting a loved one with mental health challenges like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and severe depression. Stephanie is passionate about this topic from her own personal experience growing up with a mother who struggled with bipolar 1 disorder and found a path forward to overcome the obstacles and live well. Stephanie’s professional experience includes a doctorate in neuroscience as well as design research roles at Hopelab and Apple. Stephanie brings this personal passion together with her world-class science and technology background to support families across the US in their personal journeys supporting loved ones with mental illness. To learn more about Akin Mental Health and join our community, visit us at akinmh.com.
