Abstract
The present study documented and evaluated steps taken by public mental health administrators to recruit members of underrepresented ethnic minority populations into treatment. By surveying county‐level ethnic program specialists in the decentralized California state system, the study identified strategies considered effective for reaching African American, Asian American, Latino, and Native Americans communities and overcoming barriers to treatment‐seeking. In multivariate analysis, strategies were linked to ethnic‐specific Medi‐Cal penetration rates calculated as measures of access. Results indicated that undertaking outreach activities was associated with greater access for Latinos and Native Americans. For Asian Americans, hiring bilingual or bicultural staff was associated with greater access but having a bilingual or bicultural receptionist was associated with lesser access. For all minority groups as well as for Whites, the overall supply of mental health practitioners in the county was strongly associated with greater access. The study documented real‐world efforts to improve minority access and, despite limitations imposed by its cross‐sectional design, provided preliminary evidence of effectiveness. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.