Evaluation of the Mental Health Referral Process for African American Adolescent Patients Within a Primary Care Setting: A Quality Improvement Project

Approximately 10% to 20% of youth worldwide are affected by mental health conditions. However, most remain inadequately diagnosed and treated (World Health Organization, 2020). According to the American Psychiatric Association (2019), even though rates of mental disorders in the African American population are similar to that of the general population, the existing disparities cause this group to receive lower quality, nonculturally competent care. Furthermore, a disproportionate number of African American adolescents are affected by mental health disorders, with depressive moods being the most common reason for referral (Jon-Ubabuco& Champion, 2019).
Source: Journal of Pediatric Health Care - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research