In 2023, only 48% of Latino adults who needed mental health services received treatment. The consequences have been devastating. Between 2010 and 2020, suicide rates among Latino men rose nearly 36%, and among Latinas, by over 40%.
“No one should suffer in silence,” Senators Alex Padilla said. “We need to break down the barriers that keep Latinos from getting the mental health care they need.” Ruben Gallego added, “This issue is personal to me. Too many Latinos, especially men, shy away from seeking help because they’re afraid of being judged.”
Latino communities across the U.S. face persistent barriers to mental health care, and a new bill introduced by California and Arizona lawmakers aims to change that. The Mental Health for Latinos Act, unveiled by Senators Alex Padilla and Ruben Gallego, along with Representatives Andrea Salinas and Nanette Barragán, seeks to provide culturally and linguistically tailored mental health resources.
The bill directs the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to launch a public health strategy that meets diverse cultural and language needs, raises awareness of mental illness symptoms, and promotes evidence-based treatments. It also emphasizes community participation and the link between behavioral and physical health.
Endorsed by major organizations including UnidosUS and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the legislation reflects growing recognition that mental health care must be inclusive to be effective.
See: “California Senators Introduce Mental Health for Latinos Act” (August 1, 2025)
