Differential Outcomes in Agency-Based Mental Health Care Between Minority and Majority Youth

Abstract

Background: Childhood mental health problems represent a significant public health concern globally. There is a converging discussion among researchers and practitioners alike that the research results of effectiveness studies are not fully generalizable and applicable to ethnoracial minority groups in real-world practice settings. Methods: Archival data on discharges from eight residential programs for children and youth aged 5-18 and operated by a large, child and family human services agency were analyzed to identify the relationship between client demographics and treatment outcomes. Results: Minority status was associated with lower odds of treatment success and higher odds of disengagement from treatment. Discussion: The results found that minority youth in residential programs had less favorable outcomes, in terms of both disengagement from treatment and a successful discharge, than White youth. This study calls into question whether current treatments are reaching and best serve ethnoracial minority groups in real-world practice settings.

Impact of Violence and Relationship Abuse on Grades of American Indian/Alaska Native Undergraduate College Students

“…In particular, longitudinal studies should test mental health casual pathways (i.e., mediational models) for the V/ RA-academic performance nexus to inform prevention and intervention efforts for ethno-racial minority student populations. This is especially important considering college counseling centers may not be deploying culturally competent services for these groups (Patterson, Dulmus, Maguin, & Perkins, 2016;Stewart, Swift, Freitas-Murrell, & Whipple, 2013).…”

Ethnic differences in treatment outcome for children and young people accessing mental health support

“…Equitable care is pivotal to high levels of healthcare quality for all [ 2 ] which is cited as a priority for CYP’s mental health services (CYPMHS) in the UK (i.e., individuals aged ≤ 25 years) [ 3 ]. However, incongruent with these care equality aspirations, there is limited international research focused on this important area, with most notable research located in the US [ 4 – 7 ]. Recent research in the UK suggests that CYP’s ethnic background is associated with differing experiences of CYPMHS [ 8 , 9 ].…”

“…Linked to this, disparities between ethnic backgrounds for reasons for treatment ending have also been demonstrated. For example, CYP from minoritized ethnic backgrounds have been found to be 9.5 times more likely to disengage from treatment compared to White American CYP [ 7 ]. Further, CYP from minoritized ethnic backgrounds experience different referral routes and case closure reasons from CYPMHS compared to White British CYP [ 8 , 21 ].…”