Disparities in Mental Health Care Quality

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — In a study involving 7.5 million adults, substantial differences in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues were discovered, based on the ethnicity of patients.

Researchers with Kaiser say they examined electronic health records, rather relying on self-reported data.

Native Americans have the highest rates of mental health diagnosis, with Asians having the lowest.

Generally, most minorities have significantly lower rates, when compared to non-Hispanic whites.

Regardless of ethnic background, those diagnosed with a mental health condition are far more likely to be given medication, as opposed to formal psychotherapy.