Abstract
This study describes a culturally relevant intervention using a collaborative depression care model to integrate mental health
and primary care services for depressed low income Chinese-Americans at a community health center. A total of 6,065 patients
were screened for depression. Of the 341 who screened positive, 57 participated and were randomly assigned to receive either
enhanced physician care with care management (32) or enhanced physician care only (25). All enrolled participants were assessed
at baseline and 4 monthly follow-up visits for depression, physical and mental health functioning, and perceived stigma toward
receiving depression care, to determine the impact, if any, of their mental health treatment. Both groups reported significant
reduction of depressive symptoms and improved mental health functioning from baseline to follow-up assessments although there
was no significant difference between the two groups. Although the study found no advantage to adding the care management
component in the treatment of depression, screening and assertive treatment of immigrant Chinese Americans who tend to underutilize
mental health services is important and consistent with the increased adoption of team based care models in patient centered
medical homes. High refusal rates for enrollment in the study have implications for future study designs for this group.
and primary care services for depressed low income Chinese-Americans at a community health center. A total of 6,065 patients
were screened for depression. Of the 341 who screened positive, 57 participated and were randomly assigned to receive either
enhanced physician care with care management (32) or enhanced physician care only (25). All enrolled participants were assessed
at baseline and 4 monthly follow-up visits for depression, physical and mental health functioning, and perceived stigma toward
receiving depression care, to determine the impact, if any, of their mental health treatment. Both groups reported significant
reduction of depressive symptoms and improved mental health functioning from baseline to follow-up assessments although there
was no significant difference between the two groups. Although the study found no advantage to adding the care management
component in the treatment of depression, screening and assertive treatment of immigrant Chinese Americans who tend to underutilize
mental health services is important and consistent with the increased adoption of team based care models in patient centered
medical homes. High refusal rates for enrollment in the study have implications for future study designs for this group.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10597-011-9459-9
- Authors
- Kenny Kwong, Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, 2180 Third Avenue @119th Street, Room 425, New York, NY 10035, USA
- Henry Chung, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Karen Cheal, 3843 Wellington Drive, North Cazenovia, NY 13035, USA
- Jolene C. Chou, Rutgers University Center for State Health Policy, 112 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Teddy Chen, Mental Health Bridge Program, Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, 268 Canal Street, New York, NY 10013, USA
- Journal Community Mental Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-2789
- Print ISSN 0010-3853