In this conversation, Lolo Spencer and Stephanie Anyakwo, LMFT talk through what it actually looks like to provide disability-informed care — and where it often falls short in practice. Many of the themes that came up reflect broader gaps across mental health care, from access and intake to what happens inside the therapy room itself.
The discussion is just a starting point. The reality is that many of these gaps are systemic, and most providers haven’t been trained to address them. That’s why we put together a deeper guide to break down what’s happening and what providers can do differently.
In this report:
- Why accessibility often falls short beyond the basics like ramps and intake forms
- What disability-informed care looks like in real clinical settings
- How common blind spots, like avoiding difficult topics or diagnostic overshadowing, impact care
- Why designing for more complex needs leads to better outcomes for all clients
- The role of community, identity, and support systems in mental health
