Perceived Discrimination in Healthcare and Mental Health/Substance Abuse Treatment Among Blacks, Latinos, and Whites

This research explores how experiences of discrimination in mental health/substance abuse services may contribute to the greater level of unmet mental health needs among racial/ethnic minorities. The study examined the California Quality of Life Survey responses from adults who indicated they used mental health or substance abuse services in the previous year. Latinos were twice as likely to report discrimination than White patients, and those who were uninsured and who had a diagnosed mental health disorder also faced higher rates of discrimination. Perceived discrimination was linked to finding treatment “not helpful” and leaving treatment early. The authors conclude that “improving the treatment experiences of vulnerable populations in mental health and substance abuse services may be a critical step in reducing mental health disparities, particularly for uninsured and racial/ethnic minority patients.”