Increasing access and building equity into mental health services: an examination of the potential for change

Can J Commun Ment Health. 2001 Spring;20(1):37-51. doi: 10.7870/cjcmh-2001-0003.

Abstract

This article explores the use of mental health care services by ethnoracial people in Canada and distinguishes between the reasons for underutilization of services by ethnoracial groups and the barriers which prevent ethnoracial groups from accessing services. Research focusing on Canadian race relations is reviewed to reveal how they are paralleled in the functioning of mainstream mental health care organizations. Existing policies and attitudes are then considered in relation to how they support or impede interventions to increase accessibility to services. Finally, frameworks for organizational change based on multiculturalism and anti-racism are presented, and the advantages and disadvantages of both are articulated.

MeSH terms

  • Canada
  • Cultural Diversity*
  • Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration*
  • Health Services Misuse*
  • Humans
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Organizational Innovation
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / ethnology
  • Prejudice
  • Social Justice*