Utilization of Mental Health Services Among African-American Male Adolescents Released from Juvenile Detention: Examining Reasons for Within-Group Disparities in Help-Seeking Behaviors

Abstract

While a number of studies have indicated disparities in mental health services use among African-Americans, specific factors that account for within-group disparities have not been thoroughly addressed. African-American adolescent males generally are less likely to utilize mental health services and this is especially true among those involved with the juvenile justice system (Hazen et al. in Mental Health Serv Res 6(4): 213–226, 2004). Previous research indicates that culture is a viable and necessary factor to consider regarding African-Americans’ pattern of mental health help-seeking (Cauce et al. in J Consult Clin Psychol 70(1): 44–55, 2002). Qualitative research design with in-depth interview methodology was utilized to examine the influence of culture on the attitudes and help-seeking behaviors of 54 African American adolescent males who received mental health treatment services post-detention. Findings revealed that mental health stigma, ineffective treatment, fear and shame from peers, and mistrust of mental health providers were important barriers to service utilization. Implications for social work practice, policy, and future research are discussed.