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Community-Based Mental Health Service Utilization Among Low-Income Latina Immigrants

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Abstract

Latina immigrants may be at increased risk for mental illnesses, but have less access to and seek mental health services less often than Black and White counterparts. Guided by the Andersen Behavioral Model of service utilization, the current study employed a medical chart review to elucidate factors associated with use of mental health services at a community health center. Of the clients referred for mental health services, only 36% followed through on the referral. Older age, use of case management services, and depressive symptomatology were predictors of attending mental health services. These findings have implications for community health and mental health providers.

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Notes

  1. In an effort to equally represent the population being described, the term ‘Latino/a’ will be used to describe men and women of Latin American descent rather than the term ‘Latino,’ a masculine form of the word commonly used to describe individuals of both genders. Where appropriate, the gender-specific (Latino or Latina) term will be used.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by grant R40 MC 02497 from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (Title V, Social Security Act), Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services (PI: Le). This research would not have been possible without the support of the Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, George Washington University, 2125 G St., NW Suite 212, Washington, DC, 20052, USA

    Laila Hochhausen & Huynh-Nhu Le

  2. Center for Child and Human Development, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA

    Deborah F. Perry

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  1. Laila Hochhausen
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  2. Huynh-Nhu Le
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  3. Deborah F. Perry
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Correspondence to Laila Hochhausen.

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Hochhausen, L., Le, HN. & Perry, D.F. Community-Based Mental Health Service Utilization Among Low-Income Latina Immigrants. Community Ment Health J 47, 14–23 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-009-9253-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-009-9253-0

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