Understanding Community-Level Determinants and Navigating Care for Psychosis: The Experiences of Black Service Users...

Prior research on the experiences of individuals in the early stages of psychosis have primarily focused on identifying facilitators and barriers at individual and interpersonal level determinants on the pathway to care, with very few studies focused on Black individuals and their family members. The purpose of this study is to explore and understand perceived community-level determinants that support or hinder the experiences of Black service users in the early stages of psychosis and their family members/support persons as they navigate care.

In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with six Black young adults in the early stages of psychosis and 11 Black family members of individuals enrolled in early intervention services for psychosis.

Qualitative data was thematically analyzed, and five core themes emerged from the analysis: (1) access to social networks, resources, and opportunities; (2) combating racism and discrimination; (3) stigma in the Black community; (4) diverse representation and cultural relevancy; and (5) public education and awareness on psychosis.

Findings explored how community and societal factors hinder access to resources, shape experiences navigating care, and identify facilitators to support services and improve the experiences of Black individuals in the early stages of psychosis and family members.