Eighteenth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

A major inquiry within the field of mental health is understanding the prevalence of mental illnesses and the underutilization rates of psychological services among minority populations. Latinx individuals, who comprise the fastest growing minority group in the United States, are more likely than their non-Latinx counterparts to have significant difficulties obtaining appropriate mental health care. In higher education, Latinx young adults underuse treatment at alarming rates despite having available access to mental health services. This is particular salient as traditionally-aged college students are at a unique developmental period exposing them to increased financial, social, and emotional stressors, oftentimes requiring support. Unfortunately, very little is known about mental health disparities in access and utilization of counseling services among Latinx college students. Thus, this study examines barriers to accessing mental health services among Latinx college students. More than 100 self-identified Latino students from a university in Southern California completed a demographic questionnaire and several measures on mental health stigma and barriers to mental health services. Findings will shed light on the growing prevalence of mental illnesses and the underutilization rates of psychological services among the Latinx community.