Community agency directors’ attitudes on depression treatment among older Korean Americans and barriers to providing services

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore Korean agency directors’ attitudes about depression treatment and their current efforts and barriers to providing services for older Korean Americans. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 11 agency directors, providing services from ethnic community centers and health care agencies. A constant comparative approach was applied to detect emerging themes. Results: Findings revealed that the agency directors had a negative attitude about using antidepressants and counseling. Based on these beliefs, they were less likely to recommend individuals with depression to use medical treatment or counseling; instead, they recommended informal ways of treating depression, including reliance on peers, family, and religious activities. A lack of educational training, funding, collaboration, and Korean-speaking professionals were perceived to be barriers to providing services. Discussion: Findings indicate the importance of educational training to increase understanding of depression treatment and to support the agency directors in offering services for older Korean Americans.