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“We Need Health for All”: Mental Health and Barriers to Care among Latinxs in California and Connecticut

Author

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  • Mario Alberto Viveros Espinoza-Kulick

    (Ethnic Studies, Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403, USA)

  • Jessica P. Cerdeña

    (Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
    Institute for Collaboration on Health, Implementation, and Policy (InCHIP), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
    Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA)

Abstract

Latinx (im)migrant groups remain underserved by existing mental health resources. Past research has illuminated the complex factors contributing to this problem, including migration-related trauma, discrimination, anti-immigrant policies, and structural vulnerability. This paper uses decolonial-inspired methods to present and analyze results from two studies of Latinx (im)migrant communities in central California and southern Connecticut in the United States. Using mixed quantitative and qualitative analysis, we demonstrate the intersectional complexities to be addressed in formulating effective mental health services. Relevant social and structural factors including knowledge of mental health, access to insurance, and experiencing discrimination were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms, based on linear regression analysis. Ethnographic interviews demonstrate how complex trauma informs mental health needs, especially through the gendered experiences of women. Overlapping aspects of gender, language barriers, fear of authorities, and immigration status contoured the lived experiences of Latinx (im)migrants. Thematic analyses of open-ended survey responses also provide recommendations for solutions based on the experiences of those directly affected by these health disparities, particularly relating to healthcare access, affordability, and capacity. Building from these findings and past research, we recommend the adoption of a comprehensive model of mental health service provision for Latinx (im)migrants that takes into account Indigenous language access, structural competency, expanded health insurance, and resources for community health workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Mario Alberto Viveros Espinoza-Kulick & Jessica P. Cerdeña, 2022. "“We Need Health for All”: Mental Health and Barriers to Care among Latinxs in California and Connecticut," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-21, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12817-:d:935023
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rhodes, S.D. & Mann, L. & Simán, F.M. & Song, E. & Alonzo, J. & Downs, M. & Lawlor, E. & Martinez, O. & Sun, C.J. & O'Brien, M.C. & Reboussin, B.A. & Hall, M.A., 2015. "The impact of local immigration enforcement policies on the health of immigrant Hispanics/Latinos in the United States," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(2), pages 329-337.
    2. Cerdeña, Jessica P. & Rivera, Luisa M. & Spak, Judy M., 2021. "Intergenerational trauma in Latinxs: A scoping review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 270(C).
    3. Krista M. Perreira & India Ornelas, 2013. "Painful Passages: Traumatic Experiences and Post-Traumatic Stress among U.S. Immigrant Latino Adolescents and their Primary Caregivers," International Migration Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(4), pages 976-1005, December.
    4. Díaz, R.M. & Ayala, G. & Bein, E. & Henne, J. & Marin, B.V., 2001. "The impact of homophobia, poverty, and racism on the mental health of gay and bisexual Latino men: Findings from 3 US cities," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(6), pages 927-932.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kerri Evans, 2023. "Policy and Legal Implications for Working with Unaccompanied Immigrant Children in Foster Care in the United States," Laws, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-13, March.

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