Influence of Race on Outpatient Commitment and Assertive Community Treatment for Persons With Severe and Persistent Mental Illness

Critics of outpatient commitment (OPC) suggest that African Americans with severe and persistent mental illness may be more frequently subjected to coercive treatment. This study examines the frequency of use of OPC and assertive community treatment and compares their influence on the perceptions of procedural justice/choice and coercion/negative pressure on African Americans and Whites. No significant differences were found in the rate at which OPC was applied to African Americans or in the use of assertive community treatment. Although procedural justice/choice does contribute significantly to the perception of coercion/negative pressure in both groups, its influence is diminished in African Americans.