A recent report highlights that Asian Americans are significantly less likely to seek mental health treatment compared to other racial groups in the United States. The study, published by the National Latino and Asian American Study, found that only 8.6% of Asian Americans sought mental health services over the past year, compared to 18% of the general U.S. population. This disparity is attributed to cultural stigma, language barriers, and a lack of culturally competent care.
The report indicates that stigma around mental health is deeply ingrained in many Asian cultures, where mental health challenges are often viewed as personal weaknesses. This stigma discourages open discussions about mental health and prevents individuals from seeking help. Additionally, many Asian Americans face language barriers that make it difficult to access mental health services. The lack of mental health professionals who understand the cultural nuances of Asian American communities further exacerbates the issue.
The report also emphasizes the need for disaggregated data to better understand the mental health needs of diverse Asian American subgroups. Aggregating data can mask significant differences in mental health conditions and service utilization among various ethnic groups within the Asian American population. For instance, Korean American adults experience higher rates of depression compared to Chinese Americans.
Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions, including increasing the availability of culturally competent mental health services and reducing stigma through community education. By improving access to mental health care, policymakers can help reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for Asian American communities.
See “New reports say AAPI mental health stigma persists” (July 2, 2024)
