Do Latino and Non-Latino White Medicaid-Enrolled Adults Differ in Utilization of Evidence-Based Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder?

Although evidence-based practice guidelines have been developed to achieve greater consistency and quality in mental health
care, insufficient research exists on implementing these guidelines among different racial/ethnic groups and the impact of
guideline adherence on treatment outcomes. This study compared mental health care received by community dwelling Latino and
non-Latino White Medicaid enrollees in Florida with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) and examined predictors
of adherence to American Psychiatric Association (APA) guidelines for the treatment of MDD. Latinos were more likely than
Whites to receive guideline adherent treatment (OR = 1.21, P < .0001). Enrollees receiving combination drug therapy were most likely to receive treatment consistent with APA guidelines
(OR = 4.25, P < .0001). Despite research demonstrating the efficacy of evidence–based practices, many study participants did not receive
guideline adherent treatment. Policies and practices targeted at increasing adherence to approved guidelines and improving
treatment outcomes are recommended.