What Leads Non-U.S.-Born Latinos to Access Mental Health Care?

Abstract

Latinos underutilize mental health care services. Of those who do, about 70% do not return after the initial visit. This study's purposes were: (1) to identify factors that led non-U.S.-born Latinos to utilize services from a nonprofit clinic in Texas and (2) to assess whether acculturation played a role in accessing mental health care. Data were collected over a 10-week period using an interview schedule and the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Latinos. Results indicate acculturation does not play a significant role in access, but patient knowledge of mental health care issues does. Specifically, the main barriers to access were: (1) lack of knowledge that there was a mental health issue; and (2) lack of knowledge of where to go for mental health services.

Keywords:

• barriers to mental health
• Latinos
• acculturation
• integrated health care
• nonprofits
• faith-based

Notes

1. Overall, the Pew Hispanic Center (2007) reported that a large majority (68%) of Latinos identify themselves as Roman Catholic, followed by born again evangelical Protestants (15%).