A strike by over 300 Kaiser mental health workers, which began on October 21st, has left many patients struggling to access the care they need. The workers are demanding better pay and more time to dedicate to each patient, but the ongoing labor dispute has created important challenges for those relying on Kaiser for mental health services.
alana Molino, a Kaiser patient since 2018, expressed her frustration with the situation.”It’s hard enough trying to admit that you need therapy,” she said. “you have to start pretty much from scratch with the new therapist and uncover all the trauma again that you’ve just worked out with someone else.”
Savana Pheifer,another Kaiser patient who works as a school mental health caseworker,understands the strikers’ demands but also feels abandoned by the system. “But at the same time it’s like, ‘what about us?’ Like we got forgotten and left hung out to dry, basically,” Pheifer said.
Pheifer noted that wait times for appointments have increased as the strike began. “Four months for a … psychiatry appointment is not okay and the psychiatrists aren’t even on strike,” she said.
A Kaiser spokesperson disputed Pheifer’s claim, stating that the organization is meeting state guidelines which require HMOs to provide non-urgent mental health appointments within 10 days of the request. https://www.dmhc.ca.gov/HealthCareinCalifornia/YourHealthCareRights/TimelyAccesstoCare.aspx
However, Pheifer maintains that she has filed two complaints with Kaiser since the strike began, seeking “adequate care and treated like a human being and get seen in a timely manner and have some continuity of care.”
The ongoing strike highlights the critical need for accessible and timely mental health care, a challenge faced by many Americans. As the labor dispute continues, patients like Molino and Pheifer are left navigating a system that feels increasingly strained.
for Christina Jones, a community organizer and Kaiser Permanente patient, navigating the mental health system has been a challenging journey, particularly since the departure of social workers from her outpatient program. “When they left, the type of care that we received after it was so subpar and raggedy,” Jones shared.
Kaiser Permanente maintains that temporary staff filling these roles are qualified providers. However, the national Union of Healthcare Workers has raised concerns, arguing that these replacements may lack specialized training.
Kaiser also emphasizes the availability of crisis clinicians 24/7 for patients facing urgent situations.Jones, however, recounted a disheartening experience when she sought help during a crisis. “I let the person know I was having an emergency, and they told me, ‘You don’t sound like you are,'” Jones recalled. “So it’s this whole performance and telling your story to stranger after stranger in this system that says that it cares.”
Despite these obstacles, Jones finds solace in the support of fellow patients like Pheifer and Molina, who share similar experiences. “It’s like the glimmer of light in this darkness because there are other people who have mental health issues and we aren’t the only ones,” Jones said.
As the strike continues, Jones and her peers are exploring option health insurance options, including the possibility of paying for therapy out of pocket.
In the interest of disclosure, Kaiser Permanente is a KPBS underwriter.
## The Human Cost of Kaiser Mental Health Strike: An Expert Interview
**By:** [Your Name], Senior Editor, world-today-news.com
The ongoing strike by over 300 Kaiser mental health workers, now entering its third week, has plunged many patients into a state of anxiety and despair. While workers fight for improved pay and patient care conditions, individuals reliant on Kaiser for crucial mental health services are grappling with disrupted treatment and extended wait times.
To understand the multifaceted impact of this labor dispute, world-today-news.com sat down with **Dr. Emily Carter**, a licensed psychologist with extensive experience in private practice and clinical settings. Dr. Carter helped us unpack the critical challenges facing kaiser patients and explore potential long-term consequences of this unresolved conflict.
**WTN:** Dr. Carter, we’re seeing many patients express frustration and concern about the disruption caused by the strike. What are the potential psychological consequences of having therapy interrupted or access to care restricted?
**Dr. Carter:**
Interruptions in therapy can be incredibly destabilizing for patients, especially those dealing with critically important mental health challenges. Building trust and rapport with a therapist takes time and effort. When that process is disrupted, it can feel like taking a step backward in their recovery.
For individuals experiencing trauma, having to relive their experiences with a new therapist can be retraumatizing. This sense of losing continuity of care can trigger feelings of abandonment and anxiety, which can undermine the progress they’ve made.
**WTN:** We’ve spoken to Kaiser patients who are experiencing considerably increased wait times for appointments, even for non-strike related services. How does this impact individuals seeking treatment?
**dr. Carter:**
Long wait times can have a profound impact on mental health. For someone already struggling with depression or anxiety, the delay in receiving help can exacerbate their symptoms and lead to a sense of hopelessness. It can make it harder to manage day-to-day life and can even increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior.
**WTN:** This strike has brought into sharp focus the importance of access to quality mental health care. What systemic changes can be implemented to prevent situations like this from arising in the future?
**Dr. Carter:**
This situation underscores the urgent need to prioritize mental health care in our healthcare system. This includes investing in a robust workforce of qualified mental health professionals, reducing administrative burdens, and ensuring fair compensation and working conditions for mental health workers. We also need to address the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.
**WTN:** what message would you give to Kaiser patients who are feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their access to care during this time?
**Dr. Carter:**
I understand this is an incredibly challenging period. Please know that you are not alone. There are resources available to support you. Reach out to your primary care physician, explore alternative treatment options, and prioritize self-care practices like exercise, mindfulness, and connecting with loved ones.
This is a crucial moment for Kaiser, its employees, and the patients who rely on its services. Finding a resolution that addresses the legitimate concerns of both sides while ensuring continuous and quality mental health care for all should be the top priority.
