Underutilization of mental health services by ethnic minority groups has been continuously reported, but little is known about why they do not seek help from the current mental health service system for their emotional problems. A qualitative methodology was chosen to explore the complex experience of depression and help-seeking behaviors by Korean immigrants. Of 70 Korean immigrants, 13 Korean community leaders participated for 2 focus group discussions and 57 Korean community members experiencing depression participated for 4 focus group discussions and 24 in-depth interviews in New York City between January and May 1998. Participants conceptualized their depression as self out-of-balance (disharmony between body, mind, and environment). Most participants tended not to psychologize emotional conflicts, but rather transformed them into bodily sensation. Despite labeling their problem as depression, participants did not quickly seek treatment for a "mental heath problem" of from "mental health providers". Prolonged family intervention, related to stigma, and extensive utilization of primary care services and traditional Asian practices, led to a delay in seeking mental health services. In addition, culturally unresponsive mental health systems keep many Korean immigrants with depression out of the delivery system. This study revealed a disconnectedness between the population's need and mental health service delivery. As remedies for the delayed treatment for this ethnic minority population, this study suggests a comprehensive care model based on prevention, linking mental health care with other services, a cultural brokering role, and community education.
Learning Objectives: To examine the use of mental health services in a Korean population. To explore the role of depression and help-seek behavior in this population. To recommend methods of care for the target population based on study findings
Keywords: Health Behavior, Depression
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.