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The Bear Counseling Collective

Abstract

There are significant mental health treatment disparities for racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) populations (Lin et al., 2023; McGuire & Miranda, 2008; Thomeer et al., 2023). These disparities include REM populations seeking help for mental health treatment at differing rates compared to European Americans along with significant treatment underutilization for REM populations along with intergroup differences (Choi et al., 2019; Hosseini & Kubavat, 2022; Kim & Lee, 2022; Kwong et al., 2025; Schraufnagel et al., 2006; Sheehan et al., 2018 & 2024). Due to underutilization, research suggests ethnic matching and/or racial matching could mediate mental health disparities for REM populations (Field & Caetano, 2010; Kim & Kang, 2018; Ibaraki & Hall, 2014; Meyer & Zane, 2013; Sue, 1998). While there is research investigating ethnic matching and its effects on client preferences, treatment process, duration and outcomes, there needs to be further research regarding the effects of ethnic matching on help seeking (Cabral & Smith, 2011; Flaskerud & Liu, 1991; Ibaraki & Nagayama Hall, 2014; Maramba & Nagayama Hall, 2002; Shin et al., 2005; Sue et. al., 1991; Zane & Ku 2014). This paper intends to provide evidence on the potential effects of ethnic matching on help-seeking using a literature review primarily derived from peer reviewed journal publication sources from the last 15 years using the University of Northern Colorado’s search summons and library databases. Over 100 sources were reviewed and results including but not limited to journals from the American Psychologist, the Counseling Psychologist, the Journal of Counseling Psychology, the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, the Journal of Community Psychology, the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology and the Community Mental Health Journal.

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