ABSTRACT
This qualitative study explored the experiences of persons staying at two peer respites through interviews with 27 respite guests near the end of their stay and at 2-6 months following their stay. Trained peer interviewers conducted baseline and follow-up interviews. Peer respites can be beneficial spaces within the mental health system for guests to temporarily escape stressful situations while building relationships with other persons with mental illness, though some respondents were uncomfortable receiving services from peers, and several guests did not want to leave after their stay. Ongoing training of peers and orientations for respite guests can help ensure optimal respite experiences.
Subject(s)
Mental Disorders/therapy , Peer Group , Residential Treatment/methods , Social Support , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Middle Aged , Qualitative Research , Socioeconomic Factors , Stress, Psychological/therapy , Substance-Related Disorders/therapy , Young AdultABSTRACT
Underrepresented racial/ethnic populations (UREPs) face disparities in their use of behavioral health services for multiple reasons including lack of culturally competent services and stigma. This paper employs mixed methods to compare health outcomes and costs among clients in 14 culturally competent behavioral health programs targeting specific UREPs to five programs without a specific racial or ethnic focus. We found that UREP-focused programs were associated with similar improvements in health outcomes, but greater costs relative to the comparison programs. Main themes from the qualitative analysis included: addressing stigma, building trust and understanding confidentiality, looking for a cure, and moving beyond linguistic competency.
