Mental health service utilization among African American and Caucasian mothers and fathers.

Abstract

Mental health services have been routinely underutilized. This study investigated the influence of parents' gender, race, and psychopathology on perceived barriers and attitudes toward mental health utilization for themselves and for their children. A unique contribution of this study is the examination of father, mother, and child factors influencing service utilization from the parents' perspective. A total of 194 African American and Caucasian parents were recruited from the community to participate. Parents completed measures on barriers and attitudes toward treatment for themselves and for their children, history of mental health service utilization for themselves and for their children, and their own current psychological symptoms. Results indicated that 36.3% and 19.4% of parents and children, respectively, had used mental health services during their lifetime. Parents perceived fewer barriers and had more positive attitudes toward seeking services for their children than for themselves. Race and gender differences were found in parents' perceptions of barriers and attitudes toward treatment. Furthermore, barriers, attitudes, and psychopathology predicted parents' plans for future utilization of mental health services. The clinical implications of this study and directions for future research are discussed.

The Experience of Mental Health Service Use for African American Mothers and Youth

“…This may be related to the fact that African Americans are less likely than whites to be satisfied with the services they receive from mental health providers (Olfson et al, 2009;Thurston & Phares, 2008). This appears to be true across a variety of modalities, including care received from physicians (Barlow, Wildman, & Stancin, 2005), psychologists (Redmond et al, 2009), and institutional settings (Cusack et al, 2007).…”

An Examination of the Tripartite Model of Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in African American Youth: Stressors and Coping Strategies as Common and Specific Correlates

“…In particular, low-income, urban African American youth are less likely to receive services than European American youth and youth from other income environments (Pastor, Reuben, & Falkenstern, 2004). African American families report more barriers to treatment for themselves and their children that range from economic barriers to mistrust of providers (Diala et al, 2000;Snowden & Yamada, 2005;Thurston & Phares, 2008;Thompson, Bazile, & Akbar, 2004). Thus, the successful implementation of accessible community and school-based prevention programs may prove vital for reducing symptoms in African American youth.…”

Application of Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to School Settings

“…Only 25% of children in the child welfare system who have mental health needs receive services (Burns et al, 2004). Family members, especially fathers and ethnic minority members, are often reluctant to bring children to mental health centers because of issues of stigma, misinformation, or lack of access (Bradby et al, 2007;Thurston & Phares, 2008). In addition, even after appointments are scheduled, caregivers often fail to attend outpatient therapy sessions (Doherty & McCarthy, 2010;Lefforge, Donohue, & Strada, 2007).…”