The experience of mental health service use for african american mothers and youth

Richard Thompson*, Barbara L. Dancy, Tisha R A Wiley, Sylvia P. Perry, Cynthia J. Najdowski

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Little is known about African American families' experiences with mental health services. A purposive sample of 40 dyads of African American youth (aged 13 to 19) and their mothers participated in a cross-sectional qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews that elicited information about their past experiences and satisfaction with mental health services. Though rarely received, group and family therapy were perceived favorably. However, both mothers and youth reported dissatisfaction centered on medication and lack of professionalism, confidentiality, and concern by providers. The failure of mental health services providers to meet basic standards of quality and professionalism may explain the low rate of service use by African Americans.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)678-686
Number of pages9
JournalIssues in Mental Health Nursing
Volume32
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 7 2011

Funding

This research was supported by award number R21MH079836 from the National Institute of Mental Health to the first author. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Mental Health or the National Institutes of Health. The assistance of Jason Wallis (coding and data management), Rochelle Jackson (interviewing and administration), and Yara Mekawi (coding), is gratefully acknowledged.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Phychiatric Mental Health

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