Mental health needs among Cambodian refugees in Utah

A total of 124 Cambodian refugees in Utah were interviewed about their mental health and demographic characteristics. Results indicate that 51 percent met the DSM-III-R criteria for major depression and 45 percent for a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Findings of other mental health diagnoses were less frequent. It was also found that in spite of high rates of psychopathology, utilization of health and mental health services was limited. A number of barriers prevented easy access to such services, particularly for those with PTSD.