African American Sexual Assault Survivors and Mental Health Help-Seeking: A Mixed Methods Study.

Little research has focused on African American women's sexual assault victimization and mental health seeking. A mixed methods study was conducted to explore African American women's sexual assault in relationship to mental health seeking and experiences with mental health providers in a large community sample. Quantitative survey and qualitative interview data indicated unique correlates of immediate and longer term seeking of help from various mental health sources. Barriers and facilitators of African American women's mental health seeking were identified and qualitative themes were uncovered relevant to this group of survivors. Implications for research and clinical practice with this population are provided.