Key Findings
The review identifies several factors affecting how East and Southeast Asian immigrant youth access mental health and substance use (MHSU) services. These factors are framed within Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and the five dimensions of care accessibility (approachability, acceptability, availability and accommodation, appropriateness, affordability).
1. Cultural Stigma and Model Minority Stereotype
- Acceptability: Asian cultural values often stigmatize mental health issues, leading to public, familial, and self-stigma. This decreases the acceptability of seeking MHSU services.
- Model Minority Stereotype (MMS): The MMS perpetuates the belief that Asian Americans are high-achieving and do not need mental health support, reducing their help-seeking behaviors.
2. Family Dynamics
- Family Conflict: Immigration-related family tensions and cultural differences can increase MHSU issues and the likelihood of seeking help.
- Reliance on Family: Asian youth often turn to family for support rather than formal services, making family-based interventions crucial.
- MHSU Literacy: Both youth and parents often lack understanding of mental health issues, which can delay or prevent seeking help.
3. Accessibility and Appropriateness of Services
- Appropriateness: Language barriers and lack of culturally competent care can make services feel inappropriate for Asian immigrant families.
- Availability and Accommodation: Logistic difficulties, including language barriers and undocumented status, limit access to MHSU services.
4. Community and School-Based Resources
- School-Based Services: Asian immigrant youth often underutilize school health services due to stigma and lack of awareness.
- Community Resources: Engaging community and religious leaders can help increase the accessibility and acceptability of MHSU services.
Actionable Steps for Practitioners
1. Improve Cultural Competence
Understand and respect the cultural values and norms of East and Southeast Asian communities. Provide culturally tailored interventions and consider the importance of family dynamics in treatment plans.
2. Enhance MHSU Literacy
Educate both youth and their families about mental health issues and the benefits of seeking professional help. Use culturally relevant materials and methods to increase engagement and understanding.
3. Address Language Barriers
Ensure access to interpreters and translated materials. Training bilingual staff can also enhance communication and trust with immigrant families.
4. Foster Community Engagement
Collaborate with community leaders and organizations to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma. Community-based programs can provide a supportive environment for discussing mental health issues.
5. Utilize School-Based Interventions
Implement mental health programs in schools and train educators to recognize and address mental health issues. Encourage peer support networks to reduce stigma and promote help-seeking behaviors.
Encouraging Further Research
While this review provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for more research on diverse identities within East and Southeast Asian youth populations. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or support research efforts to better understand and address the unique needs of these communities.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Understanding the factors related to how East and Southeast Asian immigrant youth and families access mental health and substance use services: A scoping review.
