Understudied and Underserved: Advancing Inclusive Mental Health Care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face profound inequities in accessing and receiving quality mental health care despite being at increased risk for psychological distress. This paper examines the historical and systemic barriers that perpetuate these disparities—including financial limitations, imbalances within the healthcare system, provider shortages, inadequate research funding, and persistent misconceptions about the therapeutic potential of individuals with IDD. The exclusion of individuals with IDD from research and psychotherapy further exacerbates these challenges, creating significant gaps in clinical knowledge and guidance. In addition, individuals with IDD face disproportionately severe mental health challenges, including heightened exposure to trauma, diagnostic overshadowing, and the impact of social stigma.

In response, inclusive strategies are proposed to improve care by addressing the unique cognitive, communicative, and emotional needs of this population. Central to these recommendations is a shift toward person-centered, dignity-affirming care that recognizes individuals with IDD as autonomous participants in their own treatment. To advance equity in mental health care, it is imperative to pursue transformative change through inclusive research, targeted provider training, and evidence-based therapeutic adaptations. By amplifying the voices of individuals with IDD and addressing the systemic factors that have long excluded them, it will be possible to move toward a more equitable and responsive mental health care system for this underserved community.

Keywords: intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), mental health disparities, diagnostic overshadowing, person-centered therapy, trauma-informed care, inclusive psychotherapy, disability advocacy