Immigrant Status, Mental Health Need, and Mental Health Service Utilization Among High-Risk Hispanic and Asian Pacific Islander Youth

Abstract

This study examined youth mental health service (MHS) use as a function of family immigrant status and type of mental health need (internalizing vs. externalizing). A sample of Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander families (youth ages 11-18; N = 457) involved with public sectors of care provided reports of youth mental health need during an initial interview and MHS use was examined prospectively over 2 years. While externalizing need predicted specialty and school-based MHS use in the overall sample, family immigrant status moderated the association between youth need and specialty MHS use such that immigrant youth were more likely to receive services for externalizing need and less likely to receive services for internalizing need relative to non-immigrant youth.

Trajectories of Mental Health–Related Service Use Among Adolescents With Histories of Early Externalizing Problems

“…They are less likely to receive necessary mental health services compared to those in more privileged communities (14), possibly due to service-related costs, lack of insurance, and an overall deficit in accessible services (15). Moreover, families may have difficulty accessing available services because of geographical barriers, though having a child with externalizing problems is a strong predictor of mental health service use (14). More research is needed to clarify the extent to which high-risk adolescents residing in low-income, high-risk regions access mental health-related services.…”

A Review of Family-Based Mental Health Treatments That May Be Suitable for Children in Immigrant Families Involved in the Child Welfare System

“…However, researchers and treatment providers should also be aware that parents in immigrant families may face many obstacles to utilization of mental health services (Gudino, Lau, & Hough, 2008). Future research on adapting mental health treatments for immigrant families involved in CWS should focus on whether the intensive engagement strategies used in Familias Unidas and GANA actually improve parents' treatment engagement and prevent attrition.…”

“…Additional studies of TF-CBT with children who have been physically abused or neglected are also needed, because immigrant children who are placed in the CWS may be victims of these types of maltreatment. Finally, immigrant parents may be difficult to engage in these programs due to limited English proficiency, possible lack of insurance coverage, and concern about the stigma of mental health treatment (Gudino, Lau, & Hough, 2008).…”

Evaluation of a Multi-Phase Trauma-Focused Intervention with Latino Youth

“…First, Latino parents are less likely to seek mental health services for their children (Gudiño, Lau, & Hough, 2008). This intervention has the potential to decrease problematic behaviors in a targeted and safe manner without addressing trauma events before families are ready to discuss them safely.…”