Enabling factors of mental health service use among African Americans

The purpose of this study was to examine factors that influence use of mental health service (MHS) by African Americans (AA) first-time voluntary users who accessed public MHS. Using a grounded theory approach, 24 participants were interviewed. Three major enabling factors - family, valued others, and beliefs - were identified that focused on the ability to secure needed MHS. Findings indicate an underidentified and underused strategy for meeting first-time users’ perceived needs. Findings have implications for culturally competent outreach and future research.