Treatment FAQ

how many latino receive mental health treatment?

by Dr. Loraine Harris Jr. Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Facts About Mental Health and Latino Communities
An estimated 33% of Latinx adults with mental illness receive treatment each year compared to the U.S. average of 43%. Without treatment, certain mental health conditions can worsen and become disabling.

Full Answer

How many Hispanic/Latinx adults with mental illness receive treatment each year?

Approximately 34% of Hispanic/Latinx adults with mental illness receive treatment each year compared to the U.S. average of 45%. This is due to many unique barriers to care.

How can we improve mental health services for Latinos?

Mental health hotlines must have Spanish speaking staff and bilingual messaging. More close-knit work with Spanish language media to spread outreach and education as much as possible. Develop treatment programs, such as rehabs, to have culturally relevant treatment programs as well as staff designed for Latinos and their needs.

Are Latinos more prone to mental illness?

Immigration & Acculturation: It has been found that U.S. born Latinos have higher rates of mental illness than recent Latino immigrants. For example, Mexicans Puerto Ricans who have resided their countries of origin experienced lower rates of mental disorders than those living in the United States for less than 12 years.

Do Hispanic immigrants seek mental health services?

Even fewer Hispanic immigrants seek these mental health services. While Latinos use mental health services less than the general population, rates of mental health service use among Latinos have increased Many Hispanics/ Latinos rely on their extended family,community, traditional healers, and/or churches for help during a mental health crisis.

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Do Latinos believe in mental health?

In fact, when depression or mental illness is brought up, Latinos tend to call these individuals loco(a), “lazy,” or dramatic. Latinos not seeking help with mental health issues stem from various different factors such as economic barriers, language barriers, religion, and most importantly, the mental health stigma.

Do Hispanics go to therapy?

In general, the Hispanic/Latino(a) community does not talk about mental health issues and many do not seek treatment because they don't recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety nor do they know where to find help.

What percentage of people with mental health receive treatment?

Summary. In 2019, 19.2% of U.S. adults received any mental health treatment in the past 12 months, including 15.8% who had taken prescription medication for their mental health and 9.5% who had received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional.

Which ethnicity has the most mental health issues?

People who identify as being two or more races (24.9%) are most likely to report any mental illness within the past year than any other race/ethnic group, followed by American Indian/Alaska Natives (22.7%), white (19%), and black (16.8%).

Why do Hispanics not talk about mental health?

But the Latino community faces language barriers, less access to health care, and cultural influences that keep them from getting help with mental health. One of the biggest barriers is the stigma of being seen as being “crazy”.

What percentage of psychologists are Latino?

5 percentA rare commodity Yet there are only about 5,000 psychologists in the United States who are Hispanic, representing 5 percent of all psychologists, an increase from 3 percent a decade ago, according to Census data.

What race goes to therapy the most?

Outpatient mental health service use in the past year was highest for adults reporting two or more races (8.8 percent), white adults (7.8 percent), and American Indian or Alaska Native adults (7.7 percent), followed by black (4.7 percent), Hispanic (3.8 percent), and Asian (2.5 percent) adults.

What are the statistics of mental health 2020?

21% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2020 (52.9 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults. 5.6% of U.S. adults experienced serious mental illness in 2020 (14.2 million people). This represents 1 in 20 adults.

What are the statistics on mental illness?

An estimated 26% of Americans ages 18 and older -- about 1 in 4 adults -- suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.

What race has highest rate of depression?

Major depression was most prevalent among Hispanics (10.8%), followed by African Americans (8.9%) and Whites (7.8%). The odds of depressive disorders among older Hispanics were 44% greater than among Whites (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.02, 2.04), representing a significantly greater prevalence of major depression.

What race has the highest rate of anxiety?

DemographicsRace/Ethnicity among Anxiety (GAD-7) and Depression (PHQ-9) Screeners2019 Count2020 PercentageAsian or Pacific Islander21,83517.21%Black or African American (non-Hispanic)20,4598.74%Hispanic or Latino28,34112.72%More than one of the above10,4874.51%4 more rows

How are minorities affected by mental health?

Racial/ethnic, gender, and sexual minorities often suffer from poor mental health outcomes due to multiple factors including inaccessibility of high quality mental health care services, cultural stigma surrounding mental health care, discrimination, and overall lack of awareness about mental health.

Why do Latinos never get treatment?

Many never receive treatment for this illness, mainly due to the poor access to appropriate mental health care. Around 17.7% of Latinos suffer from depression during their lifetimes.

What is the most debilitating health issue in Latinos?

Mental Health. The most debilitating health issue within the Latino community is depression. The most common depression among Latinos is major depression, which commonly starts early in life, usually before the age of 25 and leads to decreased productivity, poverty, as well as increased morbidity. Many never receive treatment for this illness, ...

What do Hispanics rely on for help?

Many Hispanics/ Latinos rely on their extended family,community, traditional healers, and/or churches for help during a mental health crisis.

What does it mean when Latinos say "No se lava la ropa en casa aj?

Latinos’ reluctance to utilize mental health services can be described by the saying: “No se lava la ropa en casa ajena” (One must not wash their dirty clothes in someone else’s home). In other words, problems are handled within the family and should not be discussed or revealed outside of the home.

What is outreach in Latinos?

Outreach can also assist in health care appointments. serving as translators rather than the patient’s child or other family members.

What are the barriers to receiving mental health care?

The Mexican American Prevalence and Services Survey (MAPSS) reports that the most common barriers to receipt of mental health care services were: Lack of knowledge of where to seek treatment. Lack of proximity to treatment centers. Transportation problems.

Why are Latinos at greater risk for uninsured?

Due to these high rates of uninsurance, they are at greater risk for lacking basic access to healthcare. It has also been found that citizenship and immigration status affect health access and availability: an astounding 58% of non-citizen Latinos/Hispanics are uninsured.

Why is it bad to discuss mental health issues with Latinx people?

There is a perception in Latinx/Hispanic communities, especially among older people, that discussing problems with mental health can create embarrassment and shame for the family, resulting in fewer people seeking treatment. [5]

What percentage of Latinx people do not receive treatment?

[7] Nearly 90 percent of Latinx/Hispanic people over the age of 12 with a substance use disorder did NOT receive treatment. [7]

What is Latinx therapy?

Latinx Therapy. (link is external) : breaking the stigma of mental health related to the Latinx community; learn self-help techniques, how to support self & others. The Focus on You. (link is external) : self-care, mental health, and inspirational blog run by a Latina therapist.

What is MHA in mental health?

Mental Health America (MHA) works at both the national and local levels to raise awareness about mental health.

Why is religion important in Latinx communities?

Religion can be a protective factor for mental health in Latinx/Hispanic communities (faith, prayer) but can also contribute to the stigma against mental illness and treatment (demons, lack of faith, sinful behavior), so targeting religious institutions to help encourage good mental health and treatment-seeking is important.

What is the best way to determine if you have a mental health condition?

Taking a mental health screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.

How many Latinx people live in poverty?

Nineteen percent of Latinx/Hispanic people in the U.S. live in poverty. [2] Latinx/Hispanic people are highly concentrated in a few states in the U.S. There are one million or more Latinx/Hispanic people in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Texas. [3]

Why don't Latinx seek treatment for mental illness?

Some people do not seek treatment for mental illness out of fear of being labeled as “ locos ” (crazy) or bringing shame or unwanted attention to their families.

Why is it important to identify as Latino?

It is important to appreciate these differences and understand how community members self-identify based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. Those who identify as Latino, Latina or Latinx may consider themselves of Latin American ancestry (Central America, South America or the Caribbean). Since the Spanish language is typically gendered, the term Latinx is used to eliminate a binary choice (male vs. female) that is limiting and excluding to trans individuals and others who identity as fluid or non-binary. Those who identify as Hispanic may be referring to ancestors from Spain or other Spanish-speaking countries.

What does Latinx mean in Spanish?

Since the Spanish language is typically gendered, the term Latinx is used to eliminate a binary choice (male vs. female) that is limiting and excluding to trans individuals and others who identity as fluid or non-binary. Those who identify as Hispanic may be referring to ancestors from Spain or other Spanish-speaking countries.

Why is cultural humility important in mental health?

Cultural humility is necessary to provide quality care . This refers to the ability to recognize that culture plays a large role in a person’s health and well-being and may sometimes affect the provider’s ability to best serve their patient’s needs.

How to contact Samhsa for help?

You can find contact information online at findtreatment.samhsa.gov or by calling the National Treatment Referral Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).

What is the best way to engage individuals in treatment planning?

Providers should use a compassionate and collaborative approach to engage individuals in treatment planning. Incorporating education, symptom monitoring and engagement with community resources can be important to support a person’s decision to start therapy or psychiatric medication.

What is the common value of the Spanish community?

A large portion of this community speaks the Spanish language. There is also a shared connection of religious affiliations, strong family bonds, connections to extended networks and a resilient approach to life and work. Another common value in this community is “familismo,” a cultural foundation that emphasizes connectedness and a strong attachment and duty to one’s family.

What is the mental health problem of Latinx people?

Evidence notes that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another prevalent mental health condition among the Latinx community, likely as a result of the difficulties and discrimination they may experience.

Why are Latinx people at risk for mental health issues?

They may be at risk of negative mental health outcomes due to encountering stigma, healthcare barriers, and disparities.

Why is Latinx culture bad?

Because elements of Latinx culture may harbor negative attitudes toward mental health, it could discourage and prevent people from seeking help due to fear of discrimination or bringing shame to their family.

Why are Latinx people so stressed?

may experience difficulties with their mental health. Many stressors can arise due to stigma, disparities, and discrimination. These factors may not only contribute to poorer mental health, but they may also create barriers to accessing sufficient mental health care.

Why do Latinx people not receive treatment?

Despite this increase, many people within the Latinx community do not receive treatment, largely due to disparities in both the access and quality of treatment.

How does stigma affect mental health?

Mental health stigma can negatively influence how people perceive and treat mental health conditions. This may be particularly true in Latin American communities, as research indicates they may hold prejudices toward those with mental health conditions.

How long are mental health hotlines open?

People can access free, confidential assistance from trained professionals via national hotlines. These hotlines are available 24 hours per day and may help those experiencing mental health difficulties or anyone who may benefit from discussing their feelings.

How Else Can We Advocate for Latinos and Mental Health Care?

Latinos and other people of color need equitable access to mental health care, which will require addressing several barriers.

Why do Latinos have mental health issues?

This is due to a variety of reasons, such as a stigma against mental illness, distrust in mental health services, or lack of access to treatment.

Which group is more likely to drop out of mental health treatment?

Latinos are more likely to drop out of their mental health treatments compared to Black or white people.

Do Latinos seek mental health treatment?

Latinos and other people of color are less likely to seek treatment for mental illnesses compared to white people.

Is diversity a barrier to mental health?

Lack of diversity in the mental health workforce can also be a barrier.

Should mental health providers work with lower income families?

Mental health providers should work with lower-income families to create a mental health program that doesn’t require high costs or health insurance. Mental health programs should also be available in culturally focused community groups.

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Identity and Culture

Barriers to Mental Health Care

  • Hispanic/Latinx communities show similar vulnerability to mental illness as the general population, but they face disparities in both access to and quality of treatment. More than half of Hispanic young adults ages 18-25 with serious mental illness may not receive treatment. This inequality puts these communities at a higher risk for more severe an...
See more on nami.org

How to Seek Culturally and Linguistically Competent Care

  • For mental health providers working with Hispanic/Latinx clients or patients, exploring cultural identity may offer important information to tailor their mental health treatment. Cultural humility is necessary to provide quality care. This refers to the ability to recognize that culture plays a large role in a person’s health and well-being and may sometimes affect the provider’s ability to best s…
See more on nami.org

Resources

  • NAMI’s Compartiendo Esperanza A 90-minute program to increase mental health awareness in Latino communities by sharing the presenters’ journeys to recovery and exploring signs and symptoms of mental health conditions. The program also highlights how and where to find help. Compartiendo Esperanza: No Hay Salud Sin Salud Mental Through stories and quotes, this book…
See more on nami.org

Latino Mental Health Disparities and Utilization

  1. Latinos are a lower risk of most psychiatric disorders compared with non-Hispanic whites.
  2. Latinos born in the US reporting having higher rates for most psychiatric disorders than Latino immigrants
  3. Approximately 1 in 10 Latinos that have a mental disorder are using mental health services from a general health practitioner.  Only 1 in 20 specifically receive services from a mental he…
  1. Latinos are a lower risk of most psychiatric disorders compared with non-Hispanic whites.
  2. Latinos born in the US reporting having higher rates for most psychiatric disorders than Latino immigrants
  3. Approximately 1 in 10 Latinos that have a mental disorder are using mental health services from a general health practitioner.  Only 1 in 20 specifically receive services from a mental health speci...
  4. Latinos are likely to say there is poor communication with their healthcare provider. Studies show patients that speak Spanish are evaluated different when interviewed in English.  Latinos are also...

Mental Health Disparities in Hispanic Children and Teens

  1. Latino children are at a great risk of mental health problems. Often greater than white children.
  2. In 2015, 18.9% of Latinos in grades 9 – 12 seriously thought about suicide.  15.7% made plans to attempt suicide.  11.3% attempted suicide.  4.1% attempted suicide and had a resulting injury, poiso...
  3. Latino teens are only half as likely as white teens to use antidepressants.
  1. Latino children are at a great risk of mental health problems. Often greater than white children.
  2. In 2015, 18.9% of Latinos in grades 9 – 12 seriously thought about suicide.  15.7% made plans to attempt suicide.  11.3% attempted suicide.  4.1% attempted suicide and had a resulting injury, poiso...
  3. Latino teens are only half as likely as white teens to use antidepressants.
  4. Latino and white teens between the ages of 12-17 were more likely than black or Asian teens to start alcohol or cigarette use in the past year. In 2014, 10% of white and Latino teens started using...

Barriers to Accessing Mental Healthcare

  1. Not having insurance or having adequate insurance
  2. Latinos aren’t aware about mental health problems and services
  3. There is a language barrier for many Latinos that could benefit from mental health help
  4. There is a lack of culturally tailored programs and services with mental health professionals that understand Latinos
See more on drcindycedillo.com

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