The U.S. Hispanic Community

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, as the largest growing minority group, it is essential that America's mental health experts identify the needs and implement programs, which will help Hispanic people gain access to mental health services and increase the likelihood that these services will be used. The author points out that the Hispanic population can experience some acculturation stress, which may result in a more difficult time seeking mental health services. The paper reveals that the main problems are associated with cultural and linguistic differences with counselors; however, Hispanics who had Hispanic, Spanish-speaking counselors were more likely to complete treatment. The paper includes several long quotations.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Acculturation
Identifying the Needs of the Hispanic Population
Problems and Limitations for Hispanics to Access Mental Health Services
Recommendations
Discussion and Conclusions

From the Paper:

"Indeed, there are certain problems and limitations associated with mental health services and Hispanic access. According to Arellano (2004) the Surgeon General has reported that culture plays a significant role in administering mental health services to minority groups. The article explains that cultural factors tend to have an impact on all aspects of psychological health and illness. In addition, culture impacts how and whether individuals seek help, types of social supports and survival skills they utilize, types of help they seek, the shame attached to seeking psychological services, and, the definitions people correlate with their psychological problems."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Arellano, L. M Velasquez, R. J.,., & Mcneill, B. W. (Eds.). (2004). The Handbook of Chicana/o Psychology and Mental Health. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Caldwell, L. D Constantine, M. G., Wilton, L., &. (2003). The Role of Social Support in Moderating the Relationship between Psychological Distress and Willingness to Seek Psychological Help among Black and Latino College Students. Journal of College Counseling, 6(2), 155+.
• Castaneda, D. M. (1994). A Research Agenda for Mexican-American Adolescent Mental Health. Adolescence, 29(113), 225+. Retrieved February 11, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000217354
• Castro, V. S. (2003). Acculturation and Psychological Adaptation. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Retrieved February 11, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=106807027
• Cook, K., & Timberlake, E. M. (1989). Cross-cultural counseling with Vietnamese refugees. In D. Koslow & E. Salett (Eds.), Crossing cultures in mental health (pp. 84-100). Washington, DC: SIETAR International.

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