Co-morbid mental health issues in a clinical sample of Latinx adults: implications for integrated behavioral health treatment

ABSTRACT

Latinx adults in the U.S. encounter barriers to quality behavioral healthcare despite high rates of trauma exposure and co-morbid mental health issues in clinical samples. Engaging Latinx adults in treatment requires understanding the clinical issues facing this population. This study analyzed clinical records from 120 Latinx adults referred for mental health assessment during a primary care visit. Nearly two-thirds met criteria for partial- or full-PTSD, which was significantly associated with higher rates of stress, depression and anxiety. Integrating behavioral health services within primary care settings serving Latinx adults to increase access to trauma-informed care for this population is discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Latinos
• mental health and illness
• trauma
• integrated behavioral health care
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Jesus Quinones, B.S. for his assistance with managing the data for this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.