Psychology, Department of
Date of this Version
December 2003
Abstract
The underutilization of mental health services by Latinos has been a growing concern in research and clinical practice. This has become increasingly important as the population of Latinos in the United States rapidly rises and the evidence that many are not receiving needed mental health services accumulates. To provide an understanding of the issues, this article provides an overview of risk factors that may influence the mental health of Latinos and examines prevalence rates of psychopathology and service utilization trends. This article then presents a comprehensive review of the socioeconomic, cultural, and psychotherapeutic barriers that prevent Latinos from receiving community mental health services. Treatment recommendations to increase the access and utilization of community mental health services by Latinos are discussed. Bibliography includes 196 references.
Comments
This is an electronic version of an article published in Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice 10:4 (Winter 2003), pp. 394–422. Copyright © 2003 Oxford University Press. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice is currently published by Blackwood Publishing; http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0969-5893&site=1. Used by permission.