Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States experience mental illness at similar rates as the general population, but they are far less likely to receive treatment, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Only about 35% of Hispanic adults with mental illness receive care each year, compared with 46% of the U.S. average. For young adults ages 18 to 25, more than half go without needed treatment, leaving them vulnerable to worsening conditions.
Multiple barriers drive this gap. Poverty plays a major role—17% of Hispanic and Latinx individuals live below the poverty line, compared with 8% of non-Hispanic whites. Lack of insurance compounds the problem. In 2019, 20% of nonelderly Hispanic people had no coverage, sharply limiting their access to care. Even for those insured, a shortage of bilingual or culturally competent providers leaves many struggling to find appropriate treatment.
Cultural factors also shape mental health care. Language barriers make it difficult to communicate symptoms, especially when conditions are described through cultural expressions like nervios or “me duele el corazón,” which may be misunderstood by providers unfamiliar with these terms. Stigma remains another obstacle. Many families avoid seeking help out of fear of being labeled “locos” or bringing shame, reinforcing silence around mental health.
For undocumented immigrants, the fear of deportation deters families from enrolling in insurance programs or seeking therapy. The combination of stigma, economic barriers, and systemic inequities leaves Hispanic communities at greater risk for severe, untreated mental illness.
See: “Hispanic/Latinx” (December 1, 2025)
