Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Effect of discrimination on mental health service utilization among Chinese Americans
1School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106, USA. spencerm@umich.edu
Objectives:
We examined the association between discrimination and mental health service use among a representative sample of Chinese Americans.
Methods:
Our data were derived from the 2-wave Chinese American Psychiatric Epidemiological Survey, a strata-cluster survey conducted in 1993 and 1994 in a western American city.
Results:
Language-based discrimination was associated with higher levels of use of informal services and seeking help from friends and relatives for emotional problems. Negative attitudes toward professional mental health services were associated with greater use of informal services.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest that language-based discrimination influences patterns of mental health service use among Chinese Americans. Implications for service providers and policymakers are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Surveys
Stereotype Content Model
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...