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While a number of studies have indicated disparities in mental health services use among African-Americans, specific factors that account for within-group disparities have not been thoroughly addressed. With current trend towards cultural competency in social work practice, Clinicians are expected to understand the influence of culture on attitudes and help-seeking behaviors of ethic minority groups. This book focused on cultural beliefs and values that are responsible for within-group differences in mental health services use and clarifies the relationship among variables that connect African-American youths´ attitudes with mental illness and its system of care delivery. The analysis should help provide guidance for health policy-makers in designing effective consumer health campaigns, policies, and education programs to encourage mental health service utilization among ethnic minority groups.

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Ignatius A. Samuel received his Ph.D. in Sociology and Social Work from Boston University. Currently, he facilitates Online Social Welfare policy courses for Boston University Online MSW Program. Dr. Samuel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and his research interest centers on adolescent mental health, culture, and mental health service use.

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