Asian Americans are 60% less likely to access mental health services compared to other groups, despite 16.8% experiencing mental illness, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health.
In an interview with The American Journal of Managed Care, Ali Khawar, principal deputy assistant secretary with the Employee Benefits Security Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor, highlighted the need to address barriers preventing the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community from receiving mental health treatment.
Khawar pointed to stigma within the AAPI community as a significant factor discouraging individuals from admitting they need help and seeking care. He also noted provider shortages in mental health care, which disproportionately affect minority communities. Furthermore, Khawar emphasized that mental health parity in insurance coverage is often not realized in practice, posing an additional barrier to accessing necessary treatment.
Addressing these disparities requires a multi-faceted approach, including reducing stigma, increasing the diversity of mental health providers, and ensuring equitable insurance coverage for mental health services. By prioritizing these issues during Mental Health Awareness Month and AAPI Heritage Month, advocates aim to improve access to critical mental health support for underserved communities.
See “Ali Khawar: The Importance of Mental Health, AAPI Heritage Month” (May 28, 2024)
