Behavioral Health Service Delivery Among Persons with Disabilities

Disability is a term often viewed negatively and with inaccurate assumptions. Many of these perceptions, while typically unfounded and incorrect, have been an embedded part of our society for many years. Compounding this phenomenon is the reality that many clinicians, including behavioral health professionals, receive minimum information and training about persons with disabilities, the importance of proper language, issues they encounter, adjustment to disability concerns, or therapeutic strategies (i.e., forgiveness, self-compassion, resilience) that may be of value—all of which are considered an essential part of the therapeutic relationship. In an effort to help clinicians better understand disability and the needs of persons with disabilities, many of these areas are explored as a part of this chapter. Furthermore, information is provided regarding suggested resources and interventions that are available to help clinicians learn more about forgiveness, self-compassion, and resilience as these relate to persons with disabilities