Access to Mental Health Care for Children in Spanish-Speaking and English-Speaking Families

What is it about?

This study compared outpatient behavioral health scheduling for Spanish-speaking families in Pennsylvania to English-speaking families. The researchers called outpatient mental health clinics using a script to ask for an appointment for a child with Medicaid. They made calls in both English and Spanish to 162 clinics. Of the clinics that responded to both types of calls, 71% tried to schedule an appointment for the English-speaking families, and they all spoke English. However, only 24% of clinics tried to schedule an appointment for Spanish-speaking families, and just 25% of clinics communicated in Spanish. This shows that Spanish-speaking families face more challenges in getting appointments, highlighting the need for better language support in children’s mental health care.

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Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study is important because it highlights significant inequities in access to mental health care for Spanish-speaking families compared to English-speaking families in Pennsylvania, particularly for Medicaid-insured children. It identifies language barriers as a modifiable issue, suggesting the need for improved language support and oversight to ensure equitable care. Addressing these disparities can help improve access to essential behavioral health services for underserved populations.

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