Hispanic and Latinx populations in the U.S confront particular structural barriers to receiving accessible and responsive mental health care services (e.g. lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate services, lack of insurance, lack of transportation, lack of awareness of the mental health system). Due to such factors, mental health care providers require the knowledge and skills to identify and help address the societal and community-level barriers that negatively impact behavioral health care outcomes among Hispanic and Latinx communities. A crucial step towards helping increase health equity and accessibility of services among Hispanic and Latinx groups is building upon programs and strategies which promote and strengthen community-driven mental health services and which can deliver culturally oriented practices.

Objectives

1) Discuss the structural level of barriers that impact mental health care services, access, and outcomes of Hispanic and Latinx communities.

2) Address models, programs, and resources that help improve the accessibility of culturally grounded and responsive mental health care services for Hispanic and Latinx communities.

3) Discuss means, strategies, and recommendations to develop and implement advocacy initiatives and connect individuals to community-based support which improves the prevention of mental health conditions and reduces behavioral health disparities among Hispanic and Latinx communities.