According to recent research from the United States, "The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of race, geographic distance and quality on the choice of community mental health programs. The study population was comprised of adult Medicaid recipients who received outpatient treatment for serious mental illness in FY 2001."

"A discrete choice model was employed to examine the likelihood of choosing one program over another. Quality was measured based on follow-up after hospital discharge and continuity of care in outpatient services. Maps showing the relationship between race and the quality of care were prepared to visually confirm the results of the statistical analysis. African American and Hispanic clients were less likely to travel further for treatment, while no significant difference was found between the Caucasian and other race groups. Caucasian subjects were more likely to choose programs with a higher quality of care compared to Hispanic or African American clients. Higher income clients were, on average, traveling longer and receiving better quality of care after controlling for race. The results suggested that clients living in higher income White neighborhoods are more likely to travel longer distances for mental health treatment," wrote N. Koizumi and colleagues, George Mason University (see also Mental Health).

The researchers concluded: "Special attention must be paid to improve the quality of care in lower income minority neighborhoods to insure equity of treatment in publicly funded programs."

Koizumi and colleagues published their study in Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research (Distance Matters in Choice of Mental Health Program: Policy Implications for Reducing Racial Disparities in Public Mental Health Care. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 2009;36(6):424-431).

For additional information, contact N. Koizumi, George Mason University, School Public Policy, 3401 N Fairfax Dr., MS 3B1, Arlington, VA 22201, USA.

Publisher contact information for the journal Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research is: Maik Nauka, Interperiodica, Springer, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013-1578, USA.