Gaining Access and Treatment Equity (GATE)

Abstract

Despite often similar or higher prevalence rates of many psychiatric disorders, Latinxs residing in the continental US are significantly less likely to seek needed clinical care than ethnic majority group members. This inequality creates or exacerbates mental health disparities. Here, the authors provide a framework for understanding barriers Latinxs may face to accessing and receiving culturally-responsive mental healthcare. The gaining access and treatment equity (GATE) model articulates four major barriers: perceived need, internal barriers, external barriers, and clinical/procedural barriers. Increasing mental health equity for Latinxs will require attending to all four levels. The authors articulate how clinics have used the GATE model to expand the reach of services.