How can we better serve Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as anti-Asian discrimination and hate crimes increase in the United States following the COVID-19 pandemic?
Historically, Asian Americans are the least likely of any group to seek mental health services, according to Mental Health America. Understanding why, and becoming familiar with the growing resources available to support them, enables vocational rehabilitation professionals to provide needed supports and remove or reduce barriers to employment.
Understanding Barriers to Service
Some estimates claim Asian Americans have the most trouble accessing mental healthcare due to language barriers of all ethnic and racial groups living in the U.S. And because fewer Asian Americans seek mental health services than other groups, those who do may not find providers and groups with whom they can relate.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders may also face these challenges:
- Discussing mental health is considered taboo in many Asian cultures. Because of this, Asian Americans may dismiss, deny, or neglect their symptoms. (Spencer et al., 2010)
- Lack of awareness of the resources and services that are available, as well as the stigma surrounding mental health issues, are the biggest deterrents in seeking professional help. (Spencer et al., 2010)
- Most young Asian Americans tend to seek out support from personal networks such as close friends, family members, and religious community members rather than seek professional help for their mental health concerns. (Spencer et al., 2010)
- Historically, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have had challenges in accessing health care and insurance. (Summary Health Statistics: National Health Interview Survey, 2018)
Source: Mental Health America
Resources to Support Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Use these resources to better understand the issues and learn how to best support and provide services to Asian Americans with mental health needs:
Trending Articles and Initiatives
- During pandemic, racism puts additional stress on Asian Americans, ScienceDaily.com
- Asian American mental health stigma: Why does it exist?, Medical News Today
Resources and Training for Professionals
- Racism and Mental Health Resources, National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Fact Sheets, American Psychological Association
- Asian American Mental Health: A Web Series for Trainees & Other Providers, Asian American Psychological Association
- Bystander Intervention Training, Hollaback!
Resources for Individuals and Families
- 8 Tips for Talking About Mental Health With Your Asian Family, Self
- Community Care Package, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
- LGBTQ+ Resources, Asian American Pacific Islander LGBTQ Community
- Bystander Intervention Training, Hollaback!
Mental Health Service Provider Directories
- Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (by state), National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
- South Asian therapists, including therapists of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Afghanistani and Nepali heritage, Southasiantherapists.org