Ethnic-specific mental health services: Evaluation of the parallel approach for Asian-American clients

Abstract

Little research has addressed whether ethnic-specific, parallel services would eliminate outcome inequities for ethnic minorities while at the same time not creating any for White clients. This study examined parallel services for Asian-American outpatients with respect to client characteristics, types of services utilized, and service effectiveness. The oft-mentioned heterogeneity of the Asian-American clientele was affirmed. Numerous Asian–White and inter-Asian differences were found in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. There was little evidence of differential care provided to Whites and Asians as reflected in the types of services received. With respect to service effectiveness, few significant ethnic group differences were found in premature termination, early termination, treatment duration, or clinical outcome. These results were found even when the effects of certain demographic and clinical variables (that have tended to covary with ethnicity) were controlled. The notable exception involved Southeast Asian clients who were more likely to terminate early in treatment compared with other Asian groups and received significantly less individual therapy, the most intensive and expensive type of treatment, than White clients. The findings strongly suggest that for most Asian-American groups equitable care and service effectiveness can be achieved through the use of ethnic-specific services. However, even within the parallel configuration, further service modifications and innovations may be needed to better address the mental health needs of Southeast Asian refugee communities.

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