Sec. 601. Mental health findings
137 words·~1 min read·
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Congress finds the following: Despite the existence of effective treatments, disparities lie in the availability, accessibility, and quality of mental health services for racial and ethnic minorities. These disparities have powerful significance for minority groups and for society as a whole. Racial and ethnic minorities bear a greater burden from unmet mental health needs and thus suffer a greater loss to their overall health and productivity. The foremost barriers include the cost of care, societal stigma, and the fragmented organization of services.
African-American attitudes toward mental illness are another barrier to seeking mental health care. Mental illness retains considerable stigma, and seeking treatment is not always encouraged. Mental illness is highly stigmatizing in many Asian cultures. Addressing mental health stigma in communities will help increase utilization of mental health services and reduce the burden of mental illness.