Barriers to Mental Health Services in the Hispanic/Latinx Community

There are many barriers for the Hispanic/Latinx community to receive mental health services. Approximately 34% of Hispanic/Latinx adults with mental illness receive treatment each year compared to the U.S. average of 45% (NAMI, 2021).

Language barriers can make communicating with providers difficult, or even impossible. Only 5.5% of psychologists can provide services in Spanish (APA). There is already a limited pool of providers due to language barriers, and people identifying as Hispanic/Latinx have even fewer options because many are uninsured and living in poverty (NAMI, 2021).

Privacy plays a big role in the Hispanic/Latinx community. Culturally, the Hispanic/Latinx community keeps things private and may not want to talk publicly about challenges at home. Many believe issues that occur in the home stay in the home. Many do not seek treatment for mental illness out of fear of being labeled as “locos” or bringing shame or unwanted attention to their families (NAMI, 2021). The negative stigma around mental health is very real and prominent.

Furthermore, traditional ideas of masculinity and femininity make it harder to prioritize self-care and mental health (NAMI, 2021). Masculine stereotypes may deter men from seeking help due to the pressures of being “strong” and the “provider.” Women are pressured to have the role of caretakers. The pressure of caring for others affects how much time they spend taking care of themselves.

Cultural differences can also lead mental health providers to misunderstand and misdiagnose members of the Hispanic/Latinx community. Doctors who are not trained on how culture influences a person’s interpretation of their symptoms may assume it’s a different issue (NAMI, 2021). It is important for mental health providers to be competent and multicultural when working with a diverse population.

Additionally, for immigrants who arrive without documentation, the fear of deportation can prevent them from seeking help. Many families either may not know about their eligibility or are afraid to register due to fear of separation (NAMI,2021).

These barriers need to be addressed. Because everyone, regardless of immigrant status, should have access to mental health care services.

Works Cited:

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2021). Hispanic/Latinx.https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/Hispanic-Latinx