Graduation Year

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree Granting Department

Mental Health Law and Policy

Major Professor

Kritin Kosyluk, Ph.D.

Co-Major Professor

Kyaien Conner, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Linda Callejas, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Dinorah Martinez-Tyson, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Svetlana Yampolskaya, Ph.D.

Keywords

minorities, disparities, Latinos, mental health service utilization

Abstract

Purpose: This dissertation examines the complexities of mental health service (MHS) utilization among Hispanic individuals in the United States, elucidating myriad factors influencing help-seeking behaviors within this community.

Methods: This dissertation unpacks the barriers to and facilitators of MHS utilization through an integrative review and two cross-sectional studies among Hispanic college students and residents of El Paso. Additionally, the latter two studies assessed attitudes towards mental health services (ATMHS) within these subgroups.

Results: Barriers to MHS utilization included a preference for the Spanish language and the varied role of gender (male or female). The facilitators of MHS utilization included higher educational levels. This dissertation highlights the critical role of sociocultural elements in MHS utilization, with two studies addressing their impact on attitudes toward seeking mental health services.

Conclusion: The findings advocate for enhanced cultural competence among healthcare providers, increased mental health literacy, and policies aimed at reducing disparities in MHS access among the Hispanic population in the United States, thereby contributing significantly to both academic literature and clinical practices aimed at bridging the gap in mental health disparities.

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