Mental Health Issues in the Latino Communities

Latino communities are at significant risk for mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, suicide attempt, and are less likely to access culturally responsive mental health services. Immigration, cultural identity, poverty, and discrimination create high levels of stress among Latinos. Mental health issues that are undiagnosed or untreated can lead to negative outcomes for Latinos, including negative interactions at school and with authorities, increased disconnection from family and society, and exposure to the criminal justice system. Culture plays an important role in the lives of Latino communities.

Equity Mental Health: Breaking barriers to access mental health treatment & increase community awareness about the Latino populations

Culturally and linguistically appropriate services are respectful of and responsive to diverse consumers' health beliefs, practices, and needs" (Office of Minority Health). By developing Latino cultural competence, the services can be effectively delivered in a sense of respect and responsive to the health beliefs, practices, cultural and linguistic needs of diverse students and families. In that regard, we will discuss barriers and facilitators to community participation and the importance of making referrals that lead to positive engagement for Hispanic and Latino families considering cultural and linguistic characteristics.