Korean Immigrants’ Perception of Mental Well-Being and Help-Seeking Behaviors

Abstract

Abstract This article describes a study that investigated Korean immigrants’ perception of mental well-being and help-seeking behaviors with particular focus on those with mental illness. Participants with probable diagnoses of anxiety or depression were more likely to recognize their mental health problems and their impact than those without such diagnoses. However, many of them did not acknowledge experiencing mental health problems and did not show high likelihood of seeking professional mental health services. The cultural beliefs and the lack of culturally competent mental health services appeared to contribute to the low levels of recognition of mental health problems and also the low rates of mental health service utilization. The participants listed mental health professionals’ ability to communicate in the language of their preference, confidentiality, and affordability as significant factors in their decision to seek professional help. The study findings emphasize the great need of mental health educational programs within the Korean immigrant community. The findings also suggest that resources and infrastructures be secured for the provision of culturally competent mental health services for this population.