Help Seeking and Help Receiving for Emotional Distress Among Latino Men and Women

Abstract

In this study, we examined help-seeking pathways and help-receiving experiences among Latinos, a population that has been shown to underutilize mental health services. We used the qualitative approach of dual mode of analysis to explore the experiences of 13 Latino men and women who utilized formal as well as informal treatment and support resources. We explored three specific themes: (a) individual and family help-seeking perspectives intersecting with Latino cultural norms; (b) referral source and style, needs identification, and prior help-seeking experiences as key motivational factors for help seeking; and (c) client—therapist match and client—therapist relational style as integral to mental health treatment satisfaction. We discuss clinical implications for efforts to improve the cultural sensitivity and accessibility of mental health services.