Comparison of Risk and Well-being Scores Among Minorities and Caucasians Utilizing Telepsychology Services

Background: The Telehealth Counseling Clinic (TCC) is responsible for administering telepsychology services to rural and underserved populations in the Brazos Valley. Of the 174 of clients, 32% of them identify themselves as ethnic minorities (racial ethnicity that is not Caucasian). Literature states that minorities have historically experienced limited access to quality mental healthcare in comparison to Caucasian counterparts. Limited access to quality mental health care providers has been shown to increase risk factors such as suicidality and homicidal ideations. This poster assesses the difference in well-being and risk scores between minorities and Caucasians in TCC’s patient population. 

Methods: An independent sample T-Test was conducted in an effort to measure the differences in well-being and risk scores between minority and Caucasian clientele of telepsychology services.

Findings: Despite having sufficient statistical power to detect differences, there were no significant differences between the well-being and risk scores of minority clients and Caucasian clients [Risk: t(172) = 1.20, p =.25; Well-being: t(171) = 2.52, p=.52] at intake.  Additionally, no significant differences were found in the change in well-being and risk scores after four sessions of therapy according to minority status, [Risk: t(86) = 2.37, p =.97; Well-being: t(86) = 1.72, p=.41]. 

Implications: These results indicate that telepsychology health services are likely equally as effective in improving well-being and reducing risk of harm to self/others for both minority clients and Caucasian clientele.