Community mental health and ethnic minority populations

National trends in minority utilization of mental health services are reviewed, and recommendations are made for needed research. In relation to their representation in the population, blacks use services more than expected, and Asian American/Pacific Islanders use services less; Hispanics and Native American/Alaska Islander use varies according to type of service. Hospitalization accounts for part of the increase in minority utilization; this trend is problematic. Disruptions in service continue to plaque minority clients, possibly stemming from inadequacies in the organization and financing of care, and from cultural incongruity. Much more must be learned about these problems in utilization, as well as about other key issues.