Disparities in COVID-19–Related Psychological Distress Among Recipients of a State's Public Mental Health Services

The authors examined changes in perceived anxiety, stress, and mental health symptoms (i.e., psychological distress) reported by recipients of New York State public mental health services during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as whether these changes varied by demographic characteristics or pandemic-related socioeconomic challenges.

A statewide survey of service recipients (N=3,483) was conducted (May 8–June 22, 2020). Descriptive analyses were summarized, and logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between increases in reported psychological distress and age, gender, region of residence, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic challenges, and alcohol or drug use.

Fifty-five percent of respondents (N=1,933) reported a slight or moderate increase in COVID-19–related psychological distress, and 15% (N=520) reported a substantial increase. In adjusted models, substantial elevations in psychological distress were associated with identifying as female (AOR=1.83, 95% CI=1.50–2.25), experiencing three or more pandemic-related socioeconomic challenges (AOR=2.41, 95% CI=1.91–3.03), and reporting increased use of alcohol or drugs (AOR=1.81, 95% CI=1.34–2.44). Compared with non-Hispanic/Latinx White service recipients, non-Hispanic/Latinx Black individuals had lower odds of reporting substantially increased psychological distress (AOR=0.59, 95% CI=0.45–0.76), as did non-Hispanic/Latinx Asian-descent individuals (AOR=0.28, 95% CI=0.12–0.64).

In this large sample of recipients of New York State public mental health services, the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on psychological well-being was widespread and varied by gender, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomic vulnerability. These relationships must be considered in ongoing efforts to provide optimal care for this population.