Mental Health Care for Ethnic Minority Individuals and Communities in the Aftermath of Disasters and Mass Violence

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fran H. Norris ◽  
Margarita Alegria
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Cultural Psychology ◽  
Evaluation Research ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Community Action ◽  
Mass Violence

ABSTRACTFindings from research on psychiatric epidemiology, disaster effects, discrepancies in service use, and cross-cultural psychology are reviewed to generate guidelines for culturally responsive postdisaster interventions. Ethnicity and culture influence mental health care at various points: on need for help; on availability and accessibility of help; on help-seeking comfort (stigma, mistrust), and on the probability that help is provided appropriately. There are aspects of disaster mental health practice that may ameliorate many of barriers that contribute to ethnic disparities in service use. It is proposed that interventions should give greater attention to socially engaged emotions and functioning. To promote disaster recovery, practitioners are advised to: assess community needs early and often; provide easily accessible services; work collaboratively and proactively to reduce stigma and mistrust and engage minorities in care; validate and normalize distress and help-seeking; value interdependence as well as independence as an appropriate developmental goal; promote community action; and advocate for, facilitate, or conduct treatment and evaluation research. Notwithstanding the pain and stress they cause, disasters create opportunities to de-stigmatize mental health needs and build trust between providers and minority communities.

scholarly journals Assessing Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Treatment across Episodes of Mental Health Care

2013 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 206-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Lê Cook ◽  
Samuel H. Zuvekas ◽  
Nicholas Carson ◽  
Geoffrey Ferris Wayne ◽  
Andrew Vesper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Mental Health Problems and Help-Seeking among Adolescents

2021 ◽  
pp. 189-202
Author(s):  
E.V. Rezun ◽  
◽  
H.R. Slobodskaya ◽  
N.B. Semenova ◽  
T.O. Rippinen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Emotional And Behavioral Problems ◽  
Seeking Help

The mental health problems among adolescents have long-lasting effects throughout life. However, research evidence indicates that only 10–30% of adolescents who needed mental health care had received specialized help. The present study reports the prevalence of mental health problems and help-seeking among adolescents, taking into account gender and age differences. The sample included 1752 adolescents (47 % boys,) aged 12-17 years. Data were collected on in two Siberian cities (Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk) using an international self-report questionnaire developed for the school-based Eurasian Child Mental Health Study. Participants were recruited from 18 schools, students completed questionnaires anonymously during school lessons. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple regression analysis, and crosstabs using a chi-squared test. The level of emotional and behavioral problems in Siberian adolescents was slightly higher than that found in European and Asian countries. Twenty three percent of adolescents reported frequent headaches (at least once a week), 11 % reported frequent abdominal pain and 14% suffered from frequent sleep disturbances (3–5 times a week or more). Girls reported a significantly higher level of problems than boys, with the largest gender differences for emotional problems, recurrent pains and sleep disturbances. Weekly consumption of alcohol and daily use of nicotine among boys was more common than among girls (3 % and 6 %, respectively), whereas less frequent use of alcohol and nicotine was commoner in girls (16 %) than in boys (10 %); 7 % of boys and girls had tried drugs at least once. Suicidal thoughts were reported by 22 % of adolescents, 6 % reported suicide attempts and 6 % reported repeated self-harm. One third of adolescents considered seeking outside help and 9 % had actually done so. Girls reported more help-seeking than boys; older girls sought help more often than younger and middle-aged ones. Around one third of adolescents sought help from their relatives; 26 % from friends, the Internet or other non-professional sources; 5 % reported seeking help from a doctor or nurse, and 3 % from a psychologist. The most important independent predictors of seeking help were emotional symptoms, suicidal ideation and hyperactivity/inattention. The results suggest a need for future investigation of the factors associated with help-seeking behavior among adolescents. It is also necessary to develop mental health promotion programs for adolescents, interventions to improve mental health literacy and access to mental health care.

scholarly journals Treatment gap and mental health service use among Syrian refugees in Turkey

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
D C Fuhr ◽  
C Ataturk ◽  
M McGrath ◽  
Z Ilkkursun ◽  
A Woodward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Service Use ◽  
Continuing Care ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Treatment Gap

Abstract Introduction Turkey hosts the highest number of Syrian refugees in Europe. Refugees are often vulnerable to situational forms of psychosocial distress as a consequence of exposure to war and violence which may result in more profound mental health problems if no treatment is sought. The aim of this study is to report evidence on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs, access and barriers to MHPSS care among Syrians refugees living in Istanbul, Turkey. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Syrian refugees aged 18 years or over in Istanbul (Sultanbeyli) between February and May 2018. Data among 1’678 Syrian refugees were collected on mental health outcomes using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL-5) and the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) for depression and anxiety. We also collected data on health care utilization, barriers to seeking and continuing care as well as knowledge and attitudes towards mental health. Descriptive analyses were used. Results The prevalence of PTSD, depression and anxiety was 19.6%, 34.7% and 36.1% respectively. The treatment gap was 89% for PTSD, 90% for anxiety and 88% for depression. 249 respondents (15%) screened positive for either PTSD, depression or anxiety in our survey and self-reported emotional/behavioural problems since arriving in Sultanbeyli. Several structural and attitudinal barriers for not seeking care were reported. Conclusions To overcome the treatment gap, mental health care programmes need to be more responsive to the needs of Syrian refugees. Barriers to seeking and continuing care can be overcome by providing MHPSS services in the community which facilitate access to care. Community-based programmes of care should be supported by activities which increase awareness about mental health issues and tackle negative attitudes towards mental illness. Key messages This study provides the first nationally representative data on the mental health of Syrian refugees in Turkey, and shows that refugees have high mental health needs. Syrian refugees do not seek mental health care despite availability of mental health services in the community.

“Sincerely Held Principles” or Prejudice? The Tennessee Counseling Discrimination Law

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick R. Grzanka ◽  
Elliot S. Spengler ◽  
Joseph R. Miles ◽  
Keri A. Frantell ◽  
Elliott N. DeVore
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Care Ethics ◽  
Health Care Ethics ◽  
Help Seeking Attitudes ◽  
Statewide Assessment ◽  
The Law

In 2016, Tennessee became the first state to allow counselors and therapists in private practice to deny services to any client based on the therapist’s sincerely held principles. The law’s proponents framed mental health care ethics as infringing on counselors’ religious liberties; its critics denounced the bill because it apparently targeted LGBT+ individuals. This exploratory study is the first statewide assessment of LGBT+ Tennesseans’ ( N = 346) perceptions of the law and how it may affect their help-seeking attitudes and behaviors. Evidence suggests widespread awareness of the law among our respondents and deep skepticism toward mental health care. Further, most respondents view the law as cover for discrimination. We stress the need for broader research on conscience clauses and call for advocacy against these laws, which have the potential to engender widespread harm to multiple minority groups.

scholarly journals Depression as seen through the eyes of rural Chinese women: Implications for help-seeking and the future of mental health care in China

2018 ◽  
Vol 227 ◽  
pp. 38-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peiyuan Qiu ◽  
Eric D. Caine ◽  
Fengsu Hou ◽  
Catherine Cerulli ◽  
Marsha N. Wittink
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Chinese Women ◽  
The Future

scholarly journals Mental Health and Service Use of Migrants in Contact with the Public Psychiatry System in Paris

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (24) ◽  
pp. 9397
Author(s):  
Andrea Tortelli ◽  
Florence Perquier ◽  
Maria Melchior ◽  
François Lair ◽  
Fabien Encatassamy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Pathways To Care ◽  
Treatment Level ◽  
Stable Housing ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Provision Of Care

Background: Migrants, and particularly asylum seekers, are at increased risk of psychiatric disorders in comparison with natives. At the same time, inequalities in access to mental health care are observed. Methods: In order to evaluate whether the Parisian public psychiatric system is optimally structured to meet the needs of this population, we examined data on mental health and service use considering three different levels: the global system treatment level, a psychiatric reception center, and mobile teams specializing in access to psychiatric care for asylum seekers. Results: We found higher treatment rates among migrants than among natives (p < 0.001) but inequalities in pathways to care: more mandatory admissions (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.02–1.80) and fewer specialized consultations (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.38–0.81). We observed a mismatch between increased need and provision of care among migrants without stable housing or seeking asylum. Conclusions: Inequalities in the provision of care for migrants are observed in the Parisian public psychiatric system, particularly for those experiencing poor social and economic conditions. There is a need to facilitate access to mental health care and develop more tailored interventions to reduce discontinuity of care.

eMental health service use among Australian youth: a cross-sectional survey framed by Andersen's model

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 891
Author(s):  
Teghan Leech ◽  
Diana S. Dorstyn ◽  
Wenjing Li
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Information Services ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Help ◽  
Mental Health Information

ObjectiveYoung adults aged 18–24 years often delay or avoid seeking help for their mental health concerns. eMental health, the use of the Internet to deliver mental health information, services and care, offers a low-cost, easy-access option. However the factors that influence online help-seeking among this cohort remain unclear. MethodsAndersen’s healthcare utilisation model was adapted to examine correlates of eMental health use among Australian youth. In all, 161 young adults completed an online survey comprising sociodemographic questions, online feature preferences, the Actual and General Help-seeking Questionnaires, Berkman–Syme Social Network Index, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Service Obstacles Scale and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales. ResultsAlmost 70% of young people reported having previously accessed some form of online support for their personal or emotional problems. This included informal information via social media and formalised counselling services. Notably, perception of service satisfaction was low. Hierarchical logistical regression identified two significant predisposing factors to subsequent online help-seeking: prior face-to-face service use and living or cohabitating with others. ConclusionseMental health is accessed by young people in Australia, yet more needs to be done to better integrate this service model into the healthcare system. This includes training and education for consumers and professionals about existing, effective programs. What is known about this topic?eMental health platforms can bridge the gap between technology and conventional mental health care. Despite its rapidly expanding evidence base, the implementation of eMental health into the Australian healthcare system remains slow. More work needs to be done to elucidate the factors underlying preferences for online help-seeking. What does this paper add?Young adult perspectives on the delivery of mental health information, services and care via the Internet are examined in accordance with a major conceptual model, namely Andersen’s behavioural model of health services use. The majority of those surveyed reported having accessed some form of online support for an emotional issue, although dissatisfaction with the quality of this support was expressed. Andersen’s model can guide future research in this area and potentially help target eMental health initiatives to individual service users’ needs. What are the implications for practitioners?eMental health interventions offer an alternative for young adults who have difficulty accessing traditional mental health care services, but are also an adjunct to those experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of mental illness. Practitioners can introduce young adults to eMental health by discussing the benefits and limitations and by providing information about available and secure online programs delivered by trusted service providers.

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