After more than 15 years in business, we have come to realize the numerous ways in which our mental health care system has failed people of color. This month, we have initiated an interview with one of our long-standing care coordinators, Caitlin Wheeler, to gain a deeper understanding of our her experiences and insights as she continues to grow in her mental health career. You may remember Caitlin from a previous blog back in 2024. We are reconnecting with her this month so she can share some new insights with us and address how current events are shaping the landscape of Black mental health treatment today.
Reintroducing Caitlin
Caitlin Wheeler, LBSW, Care Coordinator:
Caitlin earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. While earning her undergraduate degree, Caitlin completed her internship at Help in the Home and was hired as the full-time Assistant SLC Supervisor upon completing her internship in 2022. Caitlin is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Social Work.
Not long after officially joining the team, Caitlin was promoted to Care Coordinator. She shares that she appreciates the sense of community that exists within our team as well as the support and hands on mentorship when situations arise. We love the fresh and new perspective Caitlin brings to our clients and community along with her upbeat attitude!
In her spare time, Caitlin enjoys reading, and taking long hikes with her dog – who is the center of her world!
Q: How might you respond differently now to the previous questions we asked you back in 2024 and why?
Caitlin: “I would respond differently now because my understanding of mental health, especially within marginalized communities, has deepened. Over the past year or so, I’ve become more aware of how systemic barriers, policy decisions, and cultural stigma intersect with access to care, especially learning more about this in my master’s program. I now approach the conversation with more nuance, recognizing that mental health cannot be separated from social justice, policy, and lived experience.”
Q: Is there anything happening with current legislation that you think our audience should be aware of as it may pertain to mental health and/or specifically the mental health of Black people?
Caitlin: “I believe people should pay attention to legislation related to Medicaid funding, community-based mental health services, and criminal justice reform. Policies that expand or restrict access to affordable care disproportionately impact Black communities.”
Q: How are current affairs and the political climate impacting the mental health of Black people?
Caitlin: “The current political climate contributes to heightened stress, anxiety, and racial trauma for many Black individuals. Social media and the news also amplify this impact.”
Q: Are there specific resources for the mental health of Black people you’d like our audience to be aware of?
Caitlin: “I encourage awareness of culturally responsive therapy, community-based health centers and organizations that center Black mental health professionals. Access to therapists who understand racial identity, intergenerational trauma, and systemic oppression can make a meaningful difference in treatment outcomes.”
Q: What aren’t we asking that we should be asking?
Caitlin: “We should be asking how systems and not just individuals, contribute to mental health disparities. Instead of focusing solely on resilience, we should ask what structural changes are needed to reduce harm. We should also ask how to sustainably support Black mental health professionals who are often carrying both clinical and community issues.”
We hope you found this Q&A with our team member as insightful as we did.
Schedule a free consultation by calling 866-967-9994 to speak with the intake specialist. Please be prepared to provide general information about current circumstances. More onboarding information can be found here.