“Determinants of Mental Health and Stigma to Mental Health Service Use Among Filipino and Korean Americans”

Hosted by the Center for Mental Health Services Research (CMHSR)

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Dr. Michael Park studies the social determinants of mental health and disparities in mental health service utilization. Specifically, his dissertation examines how Asian American youth internalize racial/ethnic stereotypes as well as the impact of internalization on the mental health of Asian American youth, and he plans to investigate how the patterns of racial stereotypes influence the mental health service utilization. His interest in examining racial/ethnic disparities in mental health care stems from his desire to improve mental health outcomes among racial/ethnic minority immigrant populations. Through his experiences working with North Korean refugees, he witnessed the critical impact of social conditions on the mental health of stateless North Korean families as well as on their access to mental health services. His continued field experience in Asian immigrant-serving agencies in Chicago solidified his commitment to studying mechanisms underlying racial/ethnic disparities in mental health service utilization and quality of care. Michael received his PhD from the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago in 2020. He applies an interdisciplinary lens to his research, holding masters’ degrees in social work and biostatistics from the University of Chicago, and having completed advanced interdisciplinary coursework in public health, human development, and social inequality.

For inquiries contact Stacey McCrary.