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A Community Mental Health Needs Assessment of a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Population in New England: Narratives from Community Stakeholders

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Abstract

Despite the existence of numerous efficacious treatments for mental disorders, many individuals in need do not receive adequate treatment particularly racial and ethnic minorities. Community stakeholders can provide: (1) a more nuanced understanding of community mental health needs, and in (2) informing the planning and provision of mental health services. Qualitative data for this mental health needs assessment come from 61 individuals who represent local residents and/or consumers of mental health services, Executive Directors, providers of mental health and non-mental health community based services. We identified systems-related and psychosocial barriers to seeking mental health services: difficulty navigating the mental health system, language barriers, dearth of culturally competent providers; and mental health stigma and mental health literacy and non-Western notions of mental health. Collaborative efforts across stakeholders are called for to address the mental health needs of racial and ethnic minorities in a local community.

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Acknowledgements

The current study was a collaborative effort among Clark University and the City of Worcester Division of Public Health. Funding for this community mental health needs assessment was provided by the Fairlawn Foundation of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sociology Department, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA

    Rosalie A. Torres Stone

  2. Psychology Department, Clark University, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA

    Esteban V. Cardemil & Kristen Keefe

  3. New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, New York, NY, USA

    Paige Bik

  4. University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01610, USA

    Zachary Dyer

  5. City of Worcester Division of Public Health, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA

    Karyn E. Clark

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  1. Rosalie A. Torres Stone
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  2. Esteban V. Cardemil
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Correspondence to Rosalie A. Torres Stone.

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Torres Stone, R.A., Cardemil, E.V., Keefe, K. et al. A Community Mental Health Needs Assessment of a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Population in New England: Narratives from Community Stakeholders. Community Ment Health J 56, 947–958 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-020-00562-2

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