Mental Health in the Latino Community: Changing Perceptions

Did you know Latinos are more likely to seek help from their primary care doctor than a mental health specialist when they are dealing with a mental health issue?

That may be surprising to some. Spend any time talking about mental health with Latino families and you might be even more surprised to learn that there is quite a stigma about seeking care for mental health problems. Many believe that mental health issues bring embarrassment and shame for the family.

As a result, few seek care for their emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs. A recent study  by Mental Health America found that nearly 90 percent of Latinos over the age of 12 with a substance use disorder did not get care. That means 9 out of 10 people from this group are not getting any help at all.

There is also a shortage of mental health providers who speak Spanish. Factor in the issue of communication, and you start to see the barriers to access that people who are Spanish-dominant or Spanish-preferred face.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Stands with Our Members

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) we want our members to know what’s covered. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many members needed to see a mental health professional. We made it possible for all members to use tele-therapy and worked with providers to make their services more accessible to our members.

Through our community initiatives, such as the Healthy Kids, Healthy Families program, we also were able to support many nonprofit and health organizations across the state who are focused on making mental health care available to all Texans.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a mental health problem, get informed about your coverage and treatment options. Our customer service team is here to help you find a provider in your community. Just call the customer service number listed on your BCBSTX member ID card.

Source: Latinx/Hispanic Communities and Mental Health,  Mental Health America, 2020