A qualitative study informed by Critical Race Theory has illustrated the inter-related nature of interpersonal, institutional and structural racism experienced by young Māori within the mental health sector. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with nine Māori youth with early psychosis, ten family members and four Māori mental health professionals. Three major themes were identified: (1) selective responses based on racial stereotypes; (2) race-related risk assessment bias; and (3) institutional racism in the mental health workforce. Reported impacts of racism were inaction in the face of social need, increased use of coercive practices and an under-resourced Māori mental health workforce. Social responsiveness, risk discourse and the distribution of workforce expenditure are important targets for anti-racism efforts, concluded the study authors.
