Behavioral Health Services use Among Racial and Ethnic Groups: Results from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS)

Access and utilization of behavioral health services is a public health issue, yet disparities among racial/ethnic groups persist, resulting in fewer access points and lower utilization. Using pooled 2015 and 2016 California Health Interview Survey (N?=?42,089) data of diverse adults, this study examines provider access points for behavioral health services use. Latinx (OR?=?0.55, 95% CI, 0.38–0.80), Asian (OR?=?0.32, 95% CI, 0.17–0.59), and first generation (OR?=?0.56, 95% CI, .38-.83) individuals, reported lower odds of accessing specialty care behavioral health services, compared to no services. First generation adults reported lower odds accessing a primary care physician (OR?=?0.66, 95% CI, 0.44–0.98), compared to none. Results advance knowledge of behavioral health services access points among racial, ethnic and immigrant groups, following passage of the California Mental Health Services Act. Findings suggest primary care may be an important entry point for behavioral health service use engagement among underserved populations.