Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, languages, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic communities. It is also an opportunity to recognize the mental health needs of Hispanic children and teens while highlighting the strengths, resilience, and strong family and community connections that support well-being.
Understanding Mental Health and Access to Care
Mental health concerns can affect children and teens from every background, including Hispanic youth. At the same time, access to mental health care is not equal across all communities.
Research has found that Hispanic and Latino adolescents experience significant rates of depression and other mental health concerns. According to Mental Health America, only about 44% of Latino teens experiencing major depression receive mental health treatment, highlighting a significant gap between those who may benefit from care and those who receive it.
Several factors can make it more difficult for Hispanic families to access mental and behavioral health services. These may include:
- Language barriers or difficulty finding providers who offer care in Spanish
- Cost and insurance limitations
- Transportation and scheduling challenges
- Stigma or discomfort surrounding mental health
- Concerns about seeking care or navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems
- Difficulty finding culturally responsive providers
- Limited access to behavioral and mental health services in some communities
For some children, emotional or behavioral concerns may also appear as physical symptoms, changes in school performance, difficulty sleeping, irritability, or changes in behavior. Recognizing these changes and having a trusted healthcare professional to talk with can be an important first step.
Care in the Language That Feels Right for Your Family
We believe families should feel comfortable, heard, and understood when seeking care for their children. Many of our developmental and behavioral health services are offered in both English and Spanish, making it easier for families to communicate their concerns, ask questions, and participate in their child’s care.
If you have questions about our Spanish-language services or would like to learn more about which services are available for your child, contact our team today. You can also schedule your child’s initial appointment online to take the next step toward understanding and supporting their development.
