Differences in psychosocial functioning, symptoms, service use, and
costs for 40 nonwhite consumers of mental health services and 92 white
consumers were compared at baseline and six months in a controlled clinical
trial of three dual diagnosis interventions. At six months nonwhite
consumers had lower psychosocial functioning than white consumers as
measured by self-report and clinicians' ratings. Nonwhite consumers
received significantly less supportive treatment than white consumers.
Qualitative data from staff interviews indicated that nonwhite consumers
had inadequate community and family supports due to a variety of problems.
Although the nonwhite consumers had outcomes similar to those of white
consumers, the complex needs of the nonwhite consumers warrant additional
staff resources and culturally sensitive services in dual diagnosis
treatment programs.
Abstract Teaser