APA Expert Opinion
An APA expert answers common questions about Hispanic/Latino mental health
This month’s expert: Ana Campo, M.D., Chair of the American Psychiatric Association’s Committee of Hispanic Psychiatrists

Why is it important to the APA to launch a Hispanic Mental Health Initiative?

Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15, and the APA realizes that, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic/ Latino community is the largest growing segment of the population. There are nearly 40 million people of Hispanic/ Latino origin in the country, and three fourths are primarily Spanish speakers. It is an opportune time to make information about mental health treatments and resources available in Spanish.

In recognizing the importance of mental health for all Americans, it is important to ensure that the proper information regarding mental health penetrates all cultural and language barriers. The translation of mental health resources into Spanish is a crucial step in providing all Americans with accurate information, so that informed decisions can be made regarding treatment for themselves and/ or family members.

How can I locate a Spanish speaking doctor in my area?

Finding a doctor in your area that speaks Spanish can be done by contacting your local District Branch/ State Association of the American Psychiatric Association. There are 76 DB/SAs across the country, as well as one located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. To find the DB/SA, in your state, click here. Once you have contacted the office, your DB/SA will help you locate doctors in your area that speak Spanish, and inform you on how you can reach them.

I am looking for help for my child. Is it difficult to find a doctor that both speaks Spanish and specializes in adolescent psychiatry?

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is another membership organization, with over 7,000 of the nation’s child and adolescent psychiatrists, many of whom are also APA members. There are approximately 300 AACAP members that are fluent in Spanish, and are located accros the country. You can visit their Web site to search the referral directory for a doctor using your own specific search criteria. You can search by city and state, languages spoken and practice interests.

What are some of the statistics regarding Hispanics and mental health?

According to a fact sheet on Latinos/ Hispanic Americans from Mental Health: Culture, Race, Ethnicity Supplement to Mental Health: Report of the Surgeon General issued in 2001:

• In a national survey of high school students, Hispanic adolescents reported more suicidal ideation and attempts proportionally than non-Hispanic whites and blacks.
• Studies have found that Latino youth experience proportionately more anxiety-related and delinquency problem behaviors, depression, and drug use than do non-Hispanic white youth.
• Among Hispanic Americans with a mental disorder, fewer than 1 in 11 contact mental health specialists, while fewer than 1 in 5 contact general health care providers.
• Among Hispanic immigrants with mental disorders, fewer than 1 in 20 use services from mental health specialists, while fewer than 1 in 10 use services from general health care providers.

The National Alliance for Hispanic Health and the National Pharmaceutical Council report that of Hispanic High School students:

• 25% meet the criteria for clinical depression-
• 18% of African Americans and 12% of whites meet the same criteria.
• 16% of adolescent girls had the highest rate of suicide attempts-
• 10% for African American and 10% for white girls.

Of Hispanic Adults:

• 36% of men and 53% of women reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Health Issues in the Latino Community

Where can I find more information in Spanish about mental health?

There are several Web sites that provide information on mental health in Spanish. For more information on antidepressants, their usage and to find more information to help make an informed decision on treatment options for your child, please visit www.ParentsMedGuide.org.

In addition to the comprehensive referral service, AACAP’s Web site offers a variety of information to help aid in the understanding and treatment of various mental illnesses and behavioral issues that affect millions of children. There are fact sheets for parents, current research information and much more. This site is also available in Spanish, click here.

The National Association of the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is a nonprofit support and advocacy organization created in 1979 to help consumers, families and friends of people with mental illnesses. There are 50 state organizations, and 1,000 local affiliates to provide support through advocacy for jobs, housing, insurance and more. This site is available in Spanish, and to find more information on NAMI and mental illnesses, click here.

MedlinePlus is a great resource site that brings together information through government agencies and health-related organizations, including National Institutes of Health (NIH). MEDLINE offers easy access to medical journal articles, and has extensive information about medications and the latest health news. To visit the MedlinePlus Web site in Spanish, click here.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a Mental Health Information Center that is available in Spanish. SAMHSA is a component of the United Stated Department of Health and Human Services, and provides a listing of government resources. To visit SAMHSA in Spanish, click here.

To view other APA Expert Opinions, please see our Expert Opinion Archive