COVID-19 has affected many people worldwide. Beyond the physical symptoms brought on by this virus, it has adversely affected those without the illness through isolation, social distancing, and changes in job and housing security. Clinicians are trying to address the mental health needs of millions of strained Americans with and without COVID-19 and are operating without a systematic strategy. Informed by the authors' experiences during the pandemic, this Open Forum attempts to answer two questions: What are the specific considerations in working with economically compromised Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American populations with mental illness? How can mental health providers and researchers best help?
Keywords: COVID-19; treatment approach; underserved communities.