Caitlyn Bilkovsky

With the development of the Covid-19 pandemic, our society was forced to reevaluate

how it functioned down to its fundamental levels, altering how people lived and worked. Our

world is shifting in a variety of ways as we collectively rebuild what our societal concept of

normal is. The mental health field was no exception, with multiple organizations becoming

overwhelmed with the dramatic increase in demand for mental health services. Multiple

organizations moved programs to virtual settings, and for many, this opened the door to mental

health support in a completely different way. For too long mental health service access has been

limited and restricted, especially for those in low-income or underserved communities. While

Zoom has been able to expand the accessibility of mental health support, there are still many

barriers between those in need and those looking to help. Improving how people are able to

access mental health, such as by continuing to provide telehealth, creating optional

volunteer-based counseling for clients in need, or income-based cost for clients, can help tackle

the hurdles people often face when seeking support. Specifically, the Interpersonal Practice in

Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse emphasizes integrated care, helping

provide not only a higher level of quality care but also quality care specifically for those in need.

One organization in particular that I have been involved in is taking an intrusive look at

how the Covid-19 pandemic has both negatively and positively impacted their ability to offer

mental health support. The National Alliance for Mental Illness - Michigan (NAMI) is in the

process of interviewing long-time staff members, clients, and volunteers to gain insight on how

exactly they might make the best of the pandemic’s impact. I had to opportunity to be a part of

this interviewing process, and not only did I gain insight into what it looks like to be a part of

such a large organization dedicated to improving the mental health of those in need, but I also

was able to really empathize with the personal stories shared with me throughout this

experience.
 Caitlyn Bilkovsky

I have had personal experiences with mental health issues, both personally and

generally with people in my family, that have heavily impacted my life. Both of my biological

parents suffer from severe mental health issues ranging from Schizophrenia to General Anxiety

Disorder to Bipolar II Disorder. Experiencing how these issues or illnesses affect the

functionality and perspective of others’ reality have highlighted the need for compassion,

understanding, and support for not only those dealing with the illness or issue themselves but

the loved ones of those who are affected by the mental health issues. My father was diagnosed

with Schizophrenia around age 40. Because of the late exposure to his mental illness, finding

support was an arduous task. Not only were mental health services financially inaccessible, but

the act of finding a therapist with the expertise needed was an added barrier.

My commitment to increasing access to mental health support is critical of my day-to-day

life. I have worked with my local community college to help organize a yearly “Day of Service”

event that invites students and other community members to get involved with organizations in

need that the volunteers might have never heard of. In the two years, I have been able to help

organize this event, which includes placing hundreds of volunteers with organizations that

provide freshwater filters to places as far as Africa and as close as Flint, with other volunteers

placed in organizations providing fresh produce, drug overdose kits with Narcan, and even had

volunteers performing environmental clean-up tasks. With this struggle in mind, I have set out to

uplift others with every opportunity presented across all social work levels of practice.

Due to my personal experiences with the hardships often associated with mental health

issues, I am driven to make a direct impact and provide the kind of support that so many in my

life and my community have and/or would benefit from. One of the barriers I will work to

overcome is the conception that therapy is financially inaccessible for people with a lower

socioeconomic status. Having had personal challenges finding affordable mental health support,

I would like to focus on providing low cost/no-cost options for underserved communities that
 Caitlyn Bilkovsky

might include payment options for income-based clinical therapy sessions, uninsured or

underinsured payment options, with a particular emphasis on clients from underserved

communities, or with no previous experience receiving mental health.

In addition to my commitment to change through interpersonal relationships, I am also

committed to embracing the power of community change. Accepting that my education can and

will not stop once I leave the University of Michigan is a crucial step in being continually ready to

support others as circumstances and cultures are altered. Staying immersed in the communities

that I am hoping to help uplift is one step in ensuring my ability to connect with those seeking

support. Educating myself on the best possible way to be an anti-racism advocate for others

facing structural and personal racial discrimination and all of the barriers embedded in our

society will be instrumental in providing the kind of support necessary to uplift everyone

reaching out for help. Whether this is through continuous dialogue, organizational meetings,

culture/community training courses, or immersive experiences with members in underserved

communities, continually educating myself will be an imperative step in supporting others.