How Case Management Can Improve Access to Outpatient Mental Health Clinics for Low-Income African American Women

Abstract: African American women face deeply rooted systemic challenges that affect their access to mental health care treatment. There are no case management techniques that are strategic and equity driven and offer individualized support tailored to the needs of African American women, especially those from low-income backgrounds. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of case management as a potential solution to improve access to outpatient mental health services for this under-served group. The Anderson behavioral model for health care was utilized to understand access and utilization of health care services. The review question focused on case management practices that can increase and maintain access to mental healthcare for African American women. The John Hopkins quality appraisal tool was used to analyze 20 sources for relevant themes and sub-themes. The study examined how personalized case management can help reduce structural obstacles and meet client needs. Thematic analysis identified the following six main themes: (a) patient-centered care, (b) culturally competent case management, (c) trauma-informed case management, (d) strength-based case management, (e) community-based case management, and (f) integrated care coordination. Further, six subthemes were identified as follows (a) client strength, (b) empowerment focus, (c) self-efficacy, (d) cultural respect, (e) access, and (f) outcomes. Enhancing policies that embrace and increase the use of case management models that are specific and suited to African American women, especially those from low-income background, is crucial recommendation. This patient-centered case management techniques potentially increase patient engagement with health care services, thereby improving treatment outcomes and bridging the racial disparity gap.