Latinos in Mental Health: Barriers impacted amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic and their Potential Improvements

Abstract

University of Washington Abstract Latinos in Mental Health: Barriers Impacting Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic and their Potential Improvements Adely Martinez Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Dr. David La Fazia Department of Social Work The study aims to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Latino’s access to mental health services. The qualitative exploratory study outreach was completed among social media platforms, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions across eastern, central, and western Washington areas. A total of 8 Latino identifying adults that were in the process of receiving mental health services, or, currently utilizing mental health services during COVID-19 were interviewed. The interviewees acknowledged their understanding of the mental health system. To acknowledge their understanding semi-structured interviews were conducted. These involved the use of visual images and questions around what may exist at individual and institutional levels while navigating mental health services. Participants were able to supply recommendations on how they would like to see the mental health system improved. Major findings suggested that barriers are elevated when accessing services on a multitude of levels: macro, mezzo, and micro. Findings confirmed that telehealth mental services in the United States are not readily accessible for the Latino community. Participants recommended institutional, community, and accessibility changes.