DHS is focusing on strategies to reduce disparities in service access and outcomes for racial and ethnic populations. This includes overcoming the barriers causing disparities in the accessibility, affordability, availability, cultural appropriateness and quality of mental health services. Stigma, cultural differences, income and insurance issues, as well as other reasons, lessen the likelihood that some children and youth will receive the care needed for their mental health concerns. These social and economic disadvantages can adversely affect certain cultures or communities and result in gaps for children being able to access mental health care and realize successful results.
