Preferences for Mental Health Care: A Comparison of Older African Americans and Older Caucasians

Research on mental health service utilization patterns has shown that older adults underutilize outpatient services, particularly in minority populations. Greater reliance on inpatient services may result when a mental health problem can no longer be ignored. The goal of this study was to compare the attitudes and beliefs of African American and Caucasian older adults about mental health care and preferred providers. A 47-item survey was administered to a convenience sample of 1,598 primarily African Americans, recruited at 40 sites, including the study sample of 726 people older than age 50. Results showed that respondents of both races preferred advice from their family doctor, clergy, or a family member. African Americans preferred services in their doctor’s or clergy’s office, whereas Caucasians preferred a professional service provider’s office. Findings suggest that providers and policy makers consider the impact of age, culture, and ethnicity on mental health services provision.