National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15. To celebrate, we're highlighting a range of mental health resources tailored to individuals of Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean, Central American, and South American heritage across the United States. These resources highlight the importance of culturally competent care, community, and understanding in promoting mental well-being.
A note on language: We will use the terms Hispanic and Latino/a/x depending on the term(s) the resource or community uses. For further definition:
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Hispanic generally refers to a person with ancestry from a country whose primary language is Spanish.
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Latino and its variations refer to a person with origins from anywhere in Latin America (Mexico, South, and Central America) and the Caribbean.
Culturally Competent Therapy Platforms
Culturally competent therapy recognizes and respects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of individuals. By understanding cultural nuances, beliefs, and values, therapists can provide tailored support that resonates with each person's unique identity. This approach fosters trust, enhances communication, and ensures that mental health care is effective and relevant. Ultimately, culturally competent therapy validates individuals' experiences and promotes a sense of belonging, leading to better outcomes and improved well-being. Some groups focused on culturally-competent therapy include:
Latinx Therapy, founded by Adriana Alejandre, is a platform that strives to erase mental health stigma within the Latinx community. Through an expansive directory of culturally competent therapists and educational content, like a bilingual podcast and culturally grounded workshops, Latinx Therapy empowers individuals to seek support while honoring their heritage.
Sanarai is a nonclinical mental health platform that partners with psychologists in Latin America to provide mental health services to Spanish-speaking adults. The platform allows users to receive care in their native language, and patients aren’t required to have health insurance to participate. Sanarai founder Luis Suarez grew up in Mexico City and moved to the U.S. to complete his MBA. When the pandemic hit, he looked for mental health services in Spanish and realized there was a need for more coverage for the Latino community, so he founded Sanarai.
Advocacy and Support Organizations
In the realm of mental health, advocacy, and support organizations play a pivotal role in driving progress. By championing awareness, education, and destigmatization, these organizations help create resources and foster an environment where seeking support is not only accepted but celebrated. The organizations listed below strive to reshape societal perceptions, empowering individuals to prioritize their well-being and access the care they deserve.
The National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA) is dedicated to advancing the mental health and substance use treatment outcomes for Latinx communities nationwide. The objective of the NLBHA is to provide national leadership on mental health and substance abuse concerns of the Latino community in five major areas of focus:
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Policy Issues in Mental Health and Substance Abuse
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Education and Workforce issues
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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service Delivery
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Latino-Focused Behavioral Health Research
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Latino Family-Focused Interventions
The Hispanic/Latinx Mental Health Resources by NAMI has curated a collection of mental health resources specifically tailored to Hispanic and Latinx individuals. This hub provides a wealth of information, from understanding mental health conditions to seeking support within the community.
Ayuda, meaning "help" in Spanish, is a national organization committed to offering comprehensive support to Latinx immigrants. Their mental health services are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by this community, ensuring access to culturally sensitive counseling and psychotherapy.
Perspectives Assistance Programs offer culturally competent care and multilingual services and resources. From orientation to our access center to our resource library, and beyond, Perspectives provides the multilingual resources and services people expect.
Contact us to learn how Perspectives can support your people's well-being.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.
