title: Mental Illness Discrimination in Mental Health Treatment Programs: Intersections of Race, Ethnicity, and Sexual Orientation.
abstract: People with mental illnesses (PWMI) who are of color and/or lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) experience mental health disparities, including within mental health treatment programs (MHTPs). Informed by a critical framework with attention to intersectionality and microaggressions, this qualitative study asked 20 PWMI and family members who also are of color and/or LGB whether they had experienced mental illness discrimination in MHTPs, a possible factor in disparities. We also asked participants about aspects of MHTPs that supported recovery. Participants reported that they were ignored/not listened to, not viewed as complex individuals, experienced condescension/lack of respect and violations of privacy or other rights, and were presumed to lack intelligence. In addition, identifying mental illness discrimination was complex due to intersections of identities. Despite these perceptions of discrimination, participants described supportive aspects of MHTPs. Implications for practice and research are offered.
authors.affiliation: Arizona State University, School of Social Work, 411 N. Central Ave., Ste. 800, Phoenix, AZ, 85004-0689, USA. lholley@asu.edu.
authors.forename: Lynn C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Holley
authors.affiliation: Arizona State University, School of Social Work, 411 N. Central Ave., Ste. 800, Phoenix, AZ, 85004-0689, USA.
authors.forename: Kyoko Y
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Tavassoli
authors.affiliation: Arizona State University, School of Social Work, 411 N. Central Ave., Ste. 800, Phoenix, AZ, 85004-0689, USA.
authors.forename: Layne K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Stromwall
mesh_terms: D001130:Arizona; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000208:ethnology / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000523:psychology; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D000072339:Sexual and Gender Minorities / Q000523:psychology; D063508:Social Discrimination / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012938:Social Perception
keywords: Heterosexism; Intersectionality; Mental illness discrimination; Microaggressions; Racism; Stigma