RACIAL-DIFFERENCES IN THE UTILIZATION OF PUBLIC MENTAL-HEALTH-SERVICES IN WASHINGTON-STATE

This study analyzed racial differences in the use of public outpatient mental health services in four regions of Washington State. Patients in this study were enrolled in the state's mental health management in formation system, which contains detailed information about patient ch aracteristics and service utilization. There were distinct racial diff erences with respect to baseline characteristics, and even after adjus ting for these characteristics and region of the state as well, racial differences in the type and amount of services used persisted. In par ticular, African-Americans were more likely to use crisis services and were less likely to use individual or group treatment. This previousl y reported finding requires further exploration.