2021 AM Posters-Ethnic and Racial Disparities in Behavioral Health and Social

Ethnic and Racial Disparities in Behavioral Health and Social

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The document discusses a study that examines racial and ethnic differences in the needs of individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (COD) entering Mental Health Courts (MHCs). MHCs provide an alternative to incarceration and aim to address the mental health and criminal justice needs of individuals with COD. The study analyzed data from behavioral health and social assessments administered to 146 adults with COD entering MHCs.<br /><br />The findings showed significant racial and ethnic differences in current and lifetime mental health, substance use, and criminal justice needs among MHC participants with COD. Non-Hispanic Blacks had fewer lifetime arrests compared to non-Hispanic Whites, which contradicts national data on justice-involved populations. The study also highlighted the importance of understanding the social determinants of health (SDH) in effective treatment planning for all participants. Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black participants were disproportionately impacted by SDH.<br /><br />The study suggests that future research should focus on understanding subgroup differences in order to better treat individuals with COD in MHCs. It also emphasizes the need for justice and behavioral health collaborative initiatives to integrate culturally responsive programs, practices, and policies to mitigate ethnic/racial disparities in outcomes within specialty courts.<br /><br />The study was funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and received support from various organizations. No conflicts of interest were reported. Supplementary materials with full study results are available.<br /><br />Baseline variables of the study sample are also provided, including gender, age, employment status, education, marital status, and receipt of food stamps.

Keywords

racial and ethnic differences

co-occurring mental health

substance use disorders

Mental Health Courts

alternative to incarceration

criminal justice needs

behavioral health assessments

social determinants of health

culturally responsive programs

ethnic/racial disparities

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