How Stigma Derails the Help-Seeking Process

Spring 2024 LAS Dean's Lecture

Mental health concerns affect 13% of the global population and will cost the world economy approximately $6 trillion by 2030 – more than the projected costs of cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease combined. Further, the rates of mental health problems have increased in recent years and have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, less than 10% of those experiencing mental health concerns seek therapy each year, and those who do seek help often wait years before doing so or drop out of treatment early. Dr. Vogel will discuss one of the key barriers that keeps people from getting the help they need, the stigma associated with seeking help, and how we might reduce it.

Dr. Vogel is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Iowa State University (ISU), where his research focuses on stigma and reducing barriers to seeking mental health treatment. He is co-editor of The Cambridge Handbook of Stigma and Mental Health, has published more than 140 journal articles and chapters, and has given more than 100 national conference presentations. His research has been supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the American Psychological Foundation, and the Military Suicide Research Consortium. Dr. Vogel serves on the editorial board for Stigma and Health and as a consultant for the RAND Corporation’s Department of Defense Stigma Reduction Report. He is also the Director of the ISU Interdisciplinary Communication Studies program, a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA) in Divisions 17 (Counseling Psychology) and 51 (Men and Masculinity), and a licensed psychologist in the State of Iowa.

This lecture has been recorded and is available for viewing on the Available Recordings page.