Community mental health services for the underserved: a culturally specific model

Underutilization of community mental health services by minorities has been an ongoing concern in the field of mental health. Many agencies are mainstream and ethnocentric in their services to culturally diverse clients, resulting in color-blind treatment approaches. During the era of civil rights, the concept of difference was used to exclude groups of individuals, families, and communities from access to resources. However, ethnicity does matter and make a difference. This article will address the need for culturally relevant services for African-American clients with the dual diagnosis of substance abuse and mental illness. The intent is to provide mental health care providers with a culturally specific model that will render culturally relevant and culturally competent services to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.