Introduction and Statement of the Problem
Chow,áJaffee, and Snowdená(2003) reported that racial/ethnic disparities are found in the use of mental health services. The surgeon general's report regarding mental health stated that the needs of the minority groups are unmet. For example, in 1995, from the overall population in New York City, the number of Blacks and Hispanics relative to Whites, using mental health services was significantly different. According to this report a significantly higher number of minority children and young adults used public mental health services compared to whites. It was found that 25% of the Blacks and Hispanics who used the mental health system were younger than 18 years (10% for Whites and Asians), regardless of poverty level. Blacks were found to use mental health services at younger ages compared to whites (nine times more). In minority groups who receive mental health treatment, premature termination is found to be prevalent. Minority groups were more likely to use emergency services compared to whites (or inpatient services in low poverty areas). It was also found that minority patients are less likely than white users to be self-referred, or referred by a family member or a friend. This minority group is more likely to use the mental health service system due to interpersonal contact with an ethnic-specific agency. Blacks were also more likely to be referred by law enforcement officials and were at a higher risk for involuntary commitment. There are several factors that may contribute to this trend to include a lack of insurance coverage and lack of receptive and culturally compatible providers. Additional factors such as contributing mental health issues to religious and culturally sanctioned belief systems or stigma attached to mental health service use may also prohibit service use.
The word stigma is from a word in ancient Greece that means to mark someone. This word is...