Mental health service utilization in Latino college students: A mixed methods study

Includes bibliographical references (pages 65-88)Literature suggests that mental illness, particularly depression and trauma, is extremely prevalent in Latino populations, with low rates of psychological service use. The purpose of this study was to examine factors that would decrease or increase the use of mental health services in Latino populations. The data for this thesis came from: (1) 563 Latino college students were sampled via a confidential, online survey at a Southern California university; and (2) 90 Latino college students who participated in eight focus groups. Results correspond to prior literature, as only 21.0% of survey respondents stated they may want to receive counseling in the future, and participants endorsed many negative attitudes toward psychological help. Participants who were interviewed suggested that the barriers that keep Latinos from seeking services include stigma, time, finances, and cultural factors (e.g. espiritualismo, familismo, machismo/marianismo, confianza, etc). Participants suggested outreach via media (e.g. fliers, telenovelas, etc) to increase awareness of mental health services and decrease stigma regarding using mental health services, as a way to facilitate treatment. Implications for community leaders, educators, practitioners, and policy-makers will be discussed