How Hispanic Outreach Programs Help With Mental Health

There are more than 60 million Latino/Hispanic individuals in the United States, making up roughly 18% of the population. Even so, it’s a diverse population that faces a variety of economic and socioeconomic challenges. Unfortunately, many people in the Hispanic population have experienced depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Here’s how Hispanic Outreach Programs are helping this population with mental health.

Mental Health Challenges in the Hispanic Population

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly eight million Latino/Hispanic adults in the U.S. report having a mental illness, which is defined as a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder that may have interfered with their lives. Yet, many people in this community are unable to access quality care due to various challenges. Some barriers to mental health care include:

Language Barriers

Language barriers can make asking for help and receiving it difficult or even impossible, especially when a person is struggling with deeply personal issues. These problems can be challenging to put into words and are even more difficult when two people don’t speak the same language.

Financial Barriers

Many people in the Hispanic and Latinx populations live in poverty or lack sufficient healthcare coverage. Even people who have adequate health insurance may find it challenging to connect with a mental health provider who understands their struggles.

Legal Status

Immigrants who lack documentation may fear deportation if they ask for help with mental health challenges. Even though the Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers health insurance to millions of children of immigrants, many people are unaware of these benefits.

Cultural Barriers

The Hispanic population is incredibly diverse, and there are many cultural variations to contend with. A person’s culture can influence how they respond to feelings of anxiety and depression. Some may also face discrimination while attempting to navigate the healthcare system.

How Hispanic Outreach Programs Help With Mental Health

Because of the many challenges facing the Hispanic population with respect to these issues, several organizations have launched outreach programs to help elevate awareness and provide access to treatment for people who want or need it. Here are some of the mental health resources available for Hispanics in different communities throughout the U.S.

NAMI’s Compartiendo Esperanza

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has created NAMI Compartiendo Esperanza, which is a resource to guide communities. Through high-quality videos, NAMI provides a framework for communities to create culturally competent conversations around mental wellness.

There are separate guides for community leaders, families, and young people. The goal is to help people become facilitators or guide those who need assistance to the proper resources.

Latinx Therapy

Latinx Therapy offers a directory of Latinx therapists that people search according to their cultural identity, such as Mexican or Columbian. In addition to helping connect people with therapists, the site offers links to wellness resources and weekly podcasts discussing mental health topics.

American Society of Hispanic Psychiatry

The American Society of Hispanic Psychiatry is focused on fostering multidisciplinary approaches to mental health in the Latino population. Its members include psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals who advocate for policies to reduce barriers to treatment and promote wellness. The site also has a “Find a Physician” feature.

Therapy for LatinX

Therapy for LatinX serves as data for therapists who either identify as Latinx or have worked closely with people in the Latinx community and know how to best serve their mental health needs.

National Alliance for Hispanic Health

Since 1973, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health in Los Angeles has helped address the needs of Spanish-speaking people in the region. It now provides services to more than 15 million Latinx people throughout the United States annually.

Mental Health America’s Resources for Hispanic/Latinx Communities

Mental Health America offers some Spanish-speaking general mental health resources, including a list of screening tools and other materials.

Each Mind Matters

Each Mind Matters is a California-based Mental Health organization that is comprised of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals to bring awareness to mental health issues. The organization’s website provides Spanish-speaking resources and factsheets.

United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has an office that specifically serves to improve the health and well-being of ethnic and racial minorities by creating health programs and policies aimed at eliminating existing disparities.

League of United Latin American Citizens Latinos Living Health

The League of United Latin American Citizens has a Latinos Living Healthy (LLH) initiative aimed at reaching the LatinX community across the U.S. and Puerto Rico to provide health and mental health education and address health disparities.

Need a Trustworthy Law Firm in the San Diego Area?

Being the victim of an accident or workplace discrimination can also have a negative impact on your mental health. If you find yourself in this situation, speaking with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney can help you learn more about your rights.

Gomez Trial Attorneys specialize in fighting for the rights of clients throughout the San Diego area. We have won millions on behalf of our injured clients and would be happy to meet with you to discuss your options. Please call 866-TRIAL LAW (866-874-2552) or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.

FAQs

How does Hispanic culture view mental health?

Unfortunately, many people in Hispanic cultures fear being labeled “loco” if they express mental health concerns and wish to avoid being labeled as weak. Addressing mental health misconceptions is just as important as offering useful resources.

What are the barriers to mental health care for the Hispanic population?

A range of barriers contribute to a gap in mental health care for Latinos, including language barriers, higher poverty rates, cultural stigmas about seeking care, and a lack of bicultural and bilingual mental health professionals.

What is the best way to find bilingual mental health services?

You can find bilingual mental health services by searching online in your area or contacting your local Hispanic outreach organization to request a referral.