Prevalence of treatment

Only 35.1% of Hispanic/Latinx adults with mental illness receive treatment annually, compared to 46.2% of the U.S. average (NAMI).

Access to care

Nearly 18% of Hispanic or Latino Americans were uninsured in 2021, versus 6% of non-Hispanic Whites (MHA).

Mental illness rates

1 in 5 (22%) Hispanics have a mental illness, and 1 in 20 have a serious mental illness (SAMHSA 2023).

Depressive symptoms

Rates of depressive symptoms in Latinx subgroups are high, with 40.2% in some subgroups.

Substance Use Disorder

15.7% of Hispanic and Latino Americans reported a past-year substance use disorder (NSDUH).

Unmet treatment needs

Reported rates of unmet treatment needs were 15% among Hispanic and Latino Americans (NSDUH).

Many of us encounter mental health challenges, and it’s never easy for anyone to confront these issues. However, for the Latinx community, this struggle is even more intense as a result of the mental health stigma they face on a daily basis.

According to the World Health Organization, stigma, in general, is the greatest barrier preventing people from seeking mental health care. In the case of Latin American communities, this stigma manifests as negative attitudes and beliefs that marginalize individuals and discourage them from accessing necessary treatment and support.

Unstable, unreliable, or incapable are just some of the harsh labels unfairly ascribed to the Latinx community when it comes to mental health issues. The worst part is that these false perceptions, together with language barriers, limited access to culturally competent care, and economic disparities, create psychological barriers for Latinx people.

This, in turn, contributes to a culture of silence and suffering around mental health within the community.

BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE

The indigenous roots of the Latinx community should be a source of pride, just like they are for many of us. But unfortunately, these deep cultural ties lead to stigma and barriers to accessing mental health care instead.

Language Barriers

About 33% of Latinx individuals identify language as a significant barrier to accessing mental health services (NAMI). That’s because many in the community primarily speak Spanish, Portuguese, or indigenous languages, which can complicate effective communication with English-speaking health providers. This often results in misunderstandings and misdiagnoses.

Cultural Misunderstandings

Cultural misunderstandings can severely impact mental health care for the Latinx community. For example, a Latinx individual may use the term “nervios” to describe fatigue or headaches. But without cultural competence, healthcare providers might misinterpret these expressions as mere physical discomfort rather than potential signs of anxiety or depression. This lack of cultural competence is one of the reasons why Latinx individuals are discouraged from seeking counseling.

Economic Factors

Economic struggles also affect the mental health issues of the Latinx community. Around 17% of Latinx individuals live in poverty, which is nearly double the rate of non-Hispanic whites. This leads to a higher risk of mental illness. Additionally, 20% of Hispanic people don't have health insurance, which narrows down their options for care even more, especially when language barriers are already in play.

Ways to combat mental health stigma

Not only the Latinx community but we all need to get involved to combat the mental health stigma around Latin American individuals. Here's how we can contribute:

Educate ourselves and others

Spread knowledge about mental health to challenge myths and change attitudes.

Support culturally aware care

Promote the development of services that respect cultural values and language preferences.

Encourage open dialogue

Promote open discussions about mental health to normalize these conversations in everyday settings.

Together, these actions can help reduce stigma and make mental health care more accessible and effective for everyone!

LET’S ACT, SPEAK, AND EDUCATE TO BREAK THE STIGMA!

Announcements

New May 2024: Siyan’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is now offering Telehealth!

To learn more about the IOP program, please visit: https://siyanclinical.com/intensive-outpatient-program-iop/. To set up an IOP appointment, please call 707-206-7268 and ask to be enrolled in our IOP program. Our front office staff will help answer any questions you have and help get you scheduled in a timeframe and format that works for you.

This monthly Recovery Newsletter is now a part of our new endeavor to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Program (CCBHC), funded by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Topics will range from addressing managing mental health as well as substance abuse. To learn more about Siyan becoming a CCBHC, please visit: https://siyanresearch.org/CCBHC/

If you or someone you love would like to schedule an evaluation to see whether you are a fit for the CCBHC program, please contact us at 707-206-7268 or email psychresearch@siyanclinical.com to enroll. We are accepting new patients and accept most insurances including Medi-Cal and Medicare for our CCBHC program.

Every conversation is confidential and we offer telehealth. One day at a time.

Sincerely,

The CCBHC Team

Disclaimer: This product was supported [in part] by grant number H79SM086652 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or polices of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

SIYAN CLINICAL RESEARCH | [CCBHC]