Preferences for professional assistance for distress in a diverse sample of older adults

Older adults (N = 140; 68.6% minority) participating in community health screenings reported their use and preferences for various professionals and services to deal with distress. Race/ ethnicity was recorded based on self-report. A third of participants had discussed distress with some professional within the past year. Compared with Whites, Asian and Black elders were less likely to see a mental health professional or receive counseling in the past year. Almost all participants (89.3%) were willing to discuss distress with some professional; most preferred medical (37.9%) or religious professionals (21.4%). Fewer Asians expressed willingness across most professionals and services. Findings support efforts to integrate mental health with other services, and suggest the need for additional strategies to enhance willingness to use mental health services, especially for Asian elders.