The Hispanic/Latino community in America is one of great diversity, including people with South American, Central American, Mexican, Caribbean, and Spanish ancestry. People may identify with the Hispanic or Latino community based on their language or dialect, race, ethnicity, ancestry, or country of origin.
Hispanic/Latino Americans may be at an increased risk for suicide or persistent mental health concerns due to barriers to care unique to the community. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among Hispanic and Latino Americans 10 to 24 years old, and men 25-34 (SAMHSA).
Some of the barriers to care that Hispanic/Latino Americans face include mental health stigma or perceived discrimination, language barriers with providers, lack of health insurance, differences in or lack of cultural competency among providers, and concerns around legal status for undocumented immigrants.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing distinct mental health needs within the Hispanic/Latino community. The following resources are meant to help members of the community access culturally competent care, learn about advocating for mental health care, and work to overcome the cycle of stigma around mental health care.
How To Take Care Of Yourself
If you’re struggling, you can text, call or chat the 988 Lifeline. Counselors are available 24/7 to listen and support you without judgment. To reach our Spanish-language line, press #2 when calling 988. You can also text “AYUDA” to 988, or chat in Spanish.
Navigating between cultural identities can lead to stress, particularly for immigrants and first-generation individuals. People may also experience discrimination, which can contribute to mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Finding a therapist or support group, in addition to reaching out to the 988 Lifeline, that respect and integrate cultural values can be validating and helpful. The links below may help you find culturally competent care specific to the Hispanic/Latino community.
- American Society of Hispanic Psychiatry
- FindTreatment.gov now available in Spanish
- Psychology Today – Find a Hispanic and Latino Therapist
- Therapy for Latinx
Though the Hispanic/Latino community is diverse, valuable connections can be made based on shared aspects of culture, including language, country of origin, religion, or common values. Reach out to your support network and discuss problems with friends, family, or community — feeling connected to others can create positive emotional health. Creating space to have conversations about mental health, including destigmatization efforts and promoting self-care, are vital for improving mental health outcomes in Hispanic and Latino communities.
Mental health issues can carry significant stigma, leading to reluctance in seeking help, but you can take the first step by creating your own safety plan. A safety plan can include listing your coping strategies, identifying people in your life that may support you through a challenges, emotional distress, and more. Have a step-by-step plan ready for if/when you feel depressed, suicidal, or in any type of mental health distress, so you can start at step one and continue through the steps until you feel safe.
- Learn more about making a safety plan
- Use this interactive tool to make your own safety plan
- Download a safety plan template (PDF)
How to Help
It is important to understand the unique challenges faced by members of the Hispanic/Latino community when accessing mental and behavioral healthcare, including lack of culturally competent care, language barriers, social stigma, and discrimination. Learn how you can support members of the community.
People in the Hispanic/Latino community may face difficulty accessing care due to unique cultural, social, and systemic factors. Many may face stigma around mental health challenges, and the topic may be seen as taboo or inappropriate to discuss openly. This includes pressure to prioritize family needs over individual well-being and strong traditional beliefs about mental health that can influence perceptions and treatment. According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), only 36% of Hispanic/Latino Americans received mental health services compared to non-Hispanic whites (52%). By understanding that they are not alone, more members of the community may seek out the help they need.
Be an active part of your loved ones’ support systems and check in with them often. If they show any warning signs for suicide, be direct. Tell them it’s OK to talk about suicidal feelings. Practice active listening techniques and let them talk without judgment.
Research local resources. Don’t be afraid to get your loved one the help they might need. Support them in identifying others to talk to that may understand how they feel – family members, friends, co-workers, and community or spiritual leaders. The 988 Lifeline is always here for support in times of emotional distress and to support friends and loved ones.