Between and within race differences in patient-centeredness and activation in mental health care

The aim of this study was to compare Black and White mental health care patients' perceptions of their providers' and their own participation in patient-centered mental health care. Perceptions of patient-centered care (PCC) in relation to the Multidimensional Model of Racial Identity were explored.

Black and White veterans receiving mental health care (n = 82) completed surveys assessing patient activation, involvement in care, perceptions of PCC, and therapeutic alliance. Black participants (n = 40) also completed the Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity.

There were no differences by race in perceived PCC, though Black participants had lower levels of therapeutic alliance with their mental health care provider and were less activated. Black identity centrality, private regard, and public regard were positively related to PCC and elements of PCC such as patient information seeking/sharing.

Intragroup identity variables such as racial centrality, regard, and ideology influenced perceived PCC among Black participants. Race identity variables should be explored in future research on racial disparities and PCC.

Mental health care providers serving Black patients should create opportunities to discuss racial identity and race-related experiences as part of their efforts to improve therapeutic alliance and increase the patient-centeredness of care.