Vol.:(0123456789) 1 3 Contemporary Family Therapy https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-019-09514-9 ORIGINAL PAPER Depression and Financial Distress in a Clinical Population: The Value of Interdisciplinary Services and Training Megan R. Ford 1  · Émilie M. Ellis 1  · Joseph Goetz 1  · Kristy L. Archuleta 1  · Jerry E. Gale 1  · Barbara Grossman 1  · Elizabeth Grant 1  · Jennifer Gonyea 1 © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2019 Abstract Therapy professionals who work from a systems theory perspective recognize the complex nature of client problems, as well as the value of a holistic, ecosystemic approach. In practice, a specifc area of crossover that therapists may notice involves mental health issues and fnancial concerns; two of the most pervasive include depression and fnancial distress. This study sought to explore whether fndings from an interdisciplinary clinical population were consistent with existing literature on the relationship between depression and fnancial distress. It was hypothesized that fnancial distress would predict depres- sion, and that depression would predict fnancial distress. Evidence of a signifcant relationship between depression and fnancial distress in the interdisciplinary clinical sample was found (N = 118). As a result, additional education, training, and collaborative work with complementary areas like fnancial planning or fnancial counseling may be of beneft to therapists working with similar populations. The value and implications of interdisciplinary training, as well as an existing interdis- ciplinary clinic model, are discussed. Keywords Depression · Financial distress · Interdisciplinary · Holistic · Ecosystemic model Introduction Imagine you meet a couple for your frst therapy session together. Ed and his wife, Edith, have come to therapy because they are fnding their arguments, confict, and life stress have increased to a point where their marriage is no longer sustainable. They are planning to pursue a divorce, but part of their consistent confict has been around their fnancial circumstances and housing situation. They own land and a second home, yet have found themselves strug- gling to keep up with their bills and have amassed a great deal of debt. They blame each other for poor fnancial deci- sions. With few options left to rectify this, the couple is also considering bankruptcy. As you explore and assess their concerns, it is clear that Ed and Edith have many intersecting needs: fnancial questions, legal concerns, and relationship issues. You sense that an interdisciplinary approach would be key to most efectively serving this couple. However, as their therapist, you may only be equipped to address a single area contributing to their troubles. Cases like this one, although hypothetical, are not neces- sarily uncommon. Mental health professionals, especially those working from a systemic perspective, recognize that * Megan R. Ford mrayford@uga.edu Émilie M. Ellis emilie.ellis@uga.edu Joseph Goetz goetz@uga.edu Kristy L. Archuleta karchuleta@uga.edu Jerry E. Gale jgale@uga.edu Barbara Grossman bgrossma@uga.edu Elizabeth Grant emgrant@uga.edu Jennifer Gonyea jlgonyea@uga.edu 1 University of Georgia, 202 Carlton Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA