To examine perceptions of medical doctor behavior in mental health () utilization disparities.
Secondary data analyses of the National Comorbidity Survey‐Replication and the National Latino and Asian American Study (2001–2003).
Sample included non‐Hispanic whites (s), blacks, sians, and atinos. Dependent variables were patient reports of providers' assessment of and counseling on and substance abuse () problems, and recommendation for medications or specialty care. The initial sample consisted of 9,100 adults; the final sample included the 3,447 individuals who had been asked about and problems.
Bivariate analyses indicated that sians were the least likely to report being assessed, counseled, and recommended medications and specialty care. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, there were no racial/ethnic differences in assessment of or problems. Compared to s, black patients were less likely to report receiving a medication recommendation. Latinos were more likely to report counseling and a recommendation to specialty care. U.S.‐born patients were more likely to report a medication recommendation.
Perceptions of provider behavior might contribute to documented disparities in utilization. Further research is needed to determine other points in the treatment utilization process that might account for racial/ethnic disparities.
