Historically, the mental health system has underserved Asian ethnic groups, which is evidenced by low rates of health and mental health service use among Asians (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2001). This problem takes on added urgency as the U.S. Asian population is expected to double by 2050, with the most rapid growth among those over 65 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2002). Furthermore, mental health needs exist among Asian groups as individuals and families cope with consequences of migration, or acculturation stressors. Among older Asians, researchers report that mental health need varies by ethnic background (Mui & Kang, 2006). The confluence of a rapidly growing population, with documented mental health needs warrants further study of health and mental health service use among older Asian adults in order to understand the influences of age and ethnicity.

This study selected a range of health and mental health services that an older adult might use, from the use of mental health specialists, to physician care, emergency room use, and inpatient hospitalization, This study examines the main effects of age and Asian ethnicity, as well as its interaction. Additionally, this study explores the interactive effects of acculturation on specific Asian ethnic groups.

The analyses reveal several central findings. First, age cohort had a significant main effect only on inpatient hospitalization use. Secondly, Asian ethnicity had an independent effect on physician and emergency room use. Age cohort had an interactive effect on Asian ethnicity for mental health specialist and physician use. Additionally, length of stay in the U.S. had an interactive effect on mental health specialist and emergency room use. Finally, social support had an interactive effect with Asian ethnicity for mental health specialist, and inpatient hospitalization use. Overall, need factors were the strongest predictors of mental health service use. Additionally, the uninsured were less likely to use any mental health service. The findings point to heterogeneity among the Asian ethnic groups, and suggest the need for targeted outreach efforts to improve access to health and mental health services.