%0 Journal Article
%T Older, Church
%A Daphne C. Watkins
%A Helen Kales
%A Jamie Mitchell
%A Tracy Wharton
%J Research on Aging
%@ 1552-7573
%D 2018
%R 10.1177/0164027516675666
%X This phenomenological study involved focus groups with church-affiliated, African American women and men (N = 50; ages 50 and older) in southeast Michigan to determine their attitudes and expectations around formal mental health care. Data analysis employed a constant comparative approach and yielded themes related to formal mental health care, along with delineating concerns about defining depression, health, and well-being. Health and well-being were defined as inclusive of physical and spiritual aspects of self. Churches have a central role in how formal mental health care is viewed by their attendees, with prayer being an important aspect of this care. Provider expectations included privacy and confidentiality; respect for autonomy and need for information, having providers who discuss treatment options; and issues related to environmental cleanliness, comfort, and accessibility. Implications include providing effective, culturally tailored formal depression care that acknowledges and integrates faith for this group
%K African American
%K church
%K community based
%K mental health
%K depression
%K older adult
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0164027516675666