OBJECTIVE(S):
This project aims to identify important gaps in data availability. We also plan and host a meeting of lead researchers in the are of mental health disparities to focus on presenting our current findings and improving methods in mental health tracking and understanding disparities in mental health care over time.

METHODS: We build on the work of Drs. Glied and Frank to track mental health care in the US over time which they have developed by combining data sources to examine outcomes. Using the most recent data, we will first prepare a report on the baseline levels of disparities in access and quality care between ethnic minorities and white Americans. Where possible, we examine trends in this data since the early 1990s. Data sets (17) for analysis include: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, National Health Interview Survey, National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, National Hospital Discharge Survey, HealthCare Cost and Utilization Project, Healthcare of Communities, National Survey of American Families, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, The Kaiser/HRET Annual Employer Health Benefits Survey, Area Resource File, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, SSI/SSDI Health Policy Tracking Service, Medicaid and Database of usual care studies.

FINDINGS / RESULTS: Data analysis is in progress.

STATUS: Data analysis is in progress. Two possible journal articles include 1) examining time trends in anxiety/depression diagnoses and antidepressant prescriptions by race/ethnicity of patient and specialty provider and 2) the effects of provider and practice characteristics on quality of care by race/ethnicity of patient.

IMPACT: Tracking mental health care for minority and white Americans over time is a critical for efforts to improve mental health policy and practice for our ethnic minority populations. Without benchmarks for change, it is impossible to understand the impact of policy changes, or whether conditions are improving or worsening for our more vulnerable populations.

Principal Investigators:
Jeanne Miranda,
PhD Tom McGuire, MD

Partners:
Harvard University