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Supporting the mental health needs of Hispanic/Latin American/Latinx communities
The team at Bend is kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) by celebrating the rich culture, contributions, and lives of Hispanic and Latin American individuals. From leaders in business, civil service, the arts, and vibrant communities, there is so much to celebrate and honor year round.
It’s also essential that we point out the ways in which Hispanic/Latin American/Latinx communities continue to face systematic barriers when it comes to accessing mental health support, including stigma, socio-economic disparities, and language barriers. In fact, research shows that more than half of Hispanic young adults ages 18-25 with serious mental illness may not receive treatment.
Access to quality care
Although race does not determine the likelihood of someone having a mental health diagnosis, the Hispanic/Latin American/Latinx community faces unique challenges that can impact their mental health and access to quality care.
For instance, first generation immigrants (the first family members to gain citizenship or permanent residency in the country) often inherit the pressure to succeed due to the sacrifices made by their immigrant parents. And this can lead to a hesitancy to ask for help or support when struggling with mental health issues. This may sound something like, “My parent(s) had it worse, so I should just suck it up, get over it, and stop complaining.”
And did you know that people can be denied citizenship based on mental health concerns? Furthermore, the lack of culturally appropriate interventions, distrust of the healthcare system, lack of access to health insurance coverage, and a shortage of diversified mental health professionals can greatly impact the ability to seek mental health support.
Ways to celebrate and advocate for this diverse population
Our team of clinical care providers has compiled a list of mental health resources, directories, and thought leaders that can offer support and crucial information to support the hispanic community. Consider turning to, supporting, or sharing these individuals and organizations.
- NAMI - Compartiendo Esperanza: Mental Wellness in Hispanic/Latin American Community
- Therapy for Latinx — A national directory of Latinx therapists.
- Inclusive Therapists — A national directory of Spanish-speaking therapists.
- Latinx Therapists Action Network — A national network of Latinx mental health practitioners.
- Justice for Migrant Women— Advancing the human and civil rights of migrant women and their families, including mental health resources from the Healing Voices project.
- The National Alliance for Hispanic Health — Providing services to more than 15 million LatinX people throughout the U.S. Its members provide services to more than 100 million people every year.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health — Established to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority populations through the creation of health policies and programs that will work to eliminate health disparities.
- LULAC’s Latinos Living Healthy Initiative —Aims to reach LatinX people across the United States and Puerto Rico to address health disparities in their communities through education, awareness, and resources.
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It is important for everyone to have access to culturally responsive mental health care, regardless of how they identify. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, it is important to seek help.
Bend Health offers access to comprehensive, collaborative care, including behavior care specialists, coaches, therapists, and psychiatric providers for children and families.
If you need more immediate assistance, please dial 9-8-8 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Or you can text 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. You can also text HOLA to 741741 or 442-AYUDAME on WhatsApp to be connected to a Spanish speaker for support.
