Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Latinx Teens

Available with English captions and subtitles in Spanish.

The Latinx community in the United States is very diverse and includes people from many different nations and cultural origin. Despite the uniqueness of so many of the community’s members, many experience similar challenges when trying to handle—and address—mental health.

According to NAMI, more than half of Latinx young adults between 18 and 25 with serious mental illness may not receive treatment, which puts the community in a complex crisis.

Culture, language, and stigma can all contribute to why teens aren’t getting the help they need. So how can we help those who need mental health care?

Audience Questions

Dr. Fairlee Fabrett discusses the unique factors as to why Latinx teens may not seek mental health help, offers ways to help combat the stigma around mental health in the Latinx community, and answers audience questions about how we can help members of the community be seen, heard, and understood.

  • What are signs and symptoms parents and educators should be looking out for that may indicate an adolescent needs additional support?
  • There is a significant number of young people exhibiting symptoms of a mental health condition, but only a small percentage are seeking treatment. Why is this?
  • What role does faith and religion play in the decision to seek mental health treatment?
  • How do you advise starting a conversation with parents about their child’s mental health when they may have a different view on this topic than you?
  • How does acculturation impact kids and teens?
  • What is the impact of lumping together cultural subgroups into one category (i.e., individuals from Mexico, Puerto Rico, etc., under the umbrella of Latinx)? How does this impact treatment?
  • How is the mental health of young people impacted when they are struggling to get their basic needs met?
  • What is the mental health impact of moving to a new country as a young person?
  • Any suggestions for mitigating issues between children and parents resulting from an acculturation gap?
  • Can you elaborate on how all communities are impacted by mental health issues? How do you respond when individuals deny that mental health issues exist within their community?
  • Are there specific mental health resources that you recommend for parents or educators working with teens?

The information discussed is intended to be educational and should not be used as a substitute for guidance provided by your health care provider. Please consult with your treatment team before making any changes to your care plan.

Resources

You may also find this information useful:

About Dr. Fabrett

Fairlee C. Fabrett, PhD, is the director of training and staff development for McLean’s child and adolescent division. She is also the director of McLean’s post-baccalaureate clinical fellowship, through which she provides supervision and mentorship to recent undergraduates. Dr. Fabrett has extensive experience in evidence-based assessment and treatment for depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders (including ADHD) in children and adolescents.

A native of Mexico, Dr. Fabrett also has experience in providing culturally sensitive and effective treatments for individuals and families of minority groups, including family conflict and the way cognitive and family processes operate differently among minority populations.

Learn more about Dr. Fabrett.

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Originally aired on September 27, 2022