BY CHRISTINA MARTINEZ, LCSW
Contributing Writer
Mental health remains a taboo subject in many Latino communities, where seeking therapy is often viewed as a sign of weakness or something only for people with “serious” problems. Despite progress in raising awareness, barriers such as cultural beliefs, lack of access to care and language obstacles continue to prevent many Latinos from getting the help they need.
Many Latino families prioritize resilience and self-reliance, often believing that struggles should be handled privately or through faith alone.
Phrases like “Échale ganas,” just push through, or “La familia lo resuelve,” family solves it, reinforce the idea that seeking outside help isn’t necessary. Additionally, mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are sometimes dismissed as “nervios” or simple stress rather than legitimate health concerns.
Even when Latinos recognize they need help, access to mental health services can be a challenge.
Not all therapists are bilingual, and therapy in one’s native language can significantly improve treatment effectiveness. Fortunately, there has been a steady increase in the number of bilingual therapists over the past few years.
Furthermore, many Latinos are uninsured or underinsured, making therapy unaffordable, and some immigrants worry about seeking services due to legal status concerns.
Faith is deeply ingrained in many Latino cultures, and while religion can be a source of strength, it can also discourage seeking professional help. Some may be told to pray harder rather than seek therapy by those who believe that mental health struggles are spiritual failings rather than medical conditions.
However, integrating faith into therapy, such as working with culturally competent therapists who respect religious beliefs, can be a powerful tool for healing.
To break the stigma, mental health must be reframed as an essential part of overall well-being.
The recruitment of Latino or Spanish-speaking therapists and mental health advocates should be a priority in areas with a high population of Latino residents and can help normalize seeking care within those communities.
Workshops, social media and community discussions can challenge misconceptions. Providing information directly to the community can aid in creating understanding and decrease the shame that exists for those wanting help.
In addition, educating families about therapy’s benefits can make it more acceptable and help families understand that mental health issues are medical issues that may require medication and talk therapy.
Mental health care should not be a privilege as it is a necessity. By speaking openly about mental health, challenging outdated beliefs and making services more accessible, Latinos can shift toward a culture that embraces emotional well-being just as much as physical health.
Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness: it is an act of strength.
(Christina Martinez, LCSW, is the Program Manager of the Los Banos Clinic of Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, located at 40 W. G. St., Suite C, in Los Banos.)
