WISCONSIN UNITED
for MENTAL HEALTH

Mental illnesses disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minorities (Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General, 1999).  American Indians and Alaska Natives appear to suffer disproportionately from depression and substance abuse.

Minorities have less access to, and availability of, mental health services.

Minorities are less likely to receive needed mental health services.

Minorities in treatment often receive a poorer quality of mental health care.

Minorities are underrepresented in mental health research.   Barriers to mental health care include: income; managed care, Medicare/Medicaid; stigma; consumers unappreciative of treatment; health care providers unaware of treatments.

For more specific information about how the different ethnic and racial groups are affected, visit the Office of Minority Health of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's web site page: Mental Health Fact Sheet.

Additional Resources:
Mental Health: Culture, Race and Ethnicity, 2001 Supplement to Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General, 1999