Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services For East Asian Populations
Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services For East Asian Populations
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Issue Date
2024-12
Authors
Li, Brittany
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Abstract
This capstone paper is an analytic literature review that investigates the factors behind disproportionately low utilization of mental health services by East Asians in North America despite significant needs they have. The study adopts postcolonial theory to bring cultural and structural lens to the topic and uncovers internal and external factors that negatively impact the accessibility of mental health services in East Asian communities. Internal factors include: East Asian cultural values, traditional beliefs regarding mental health, personal stigma, and collective stigma, while external factors within the counselling profession include: the construction of therapy as a White institution, the lack of representation of East Asians within the counselling field, and systemic barriers. Based on these findings, the study highlights the importance of facilitating inter-community connections in East Asian populations and promoting self-compassion as well as adopting a cultural lens in counselling as significant steps in supporting the mental health of East Asian communities. This capstone paper concludes by outlining the need to incorporate these findings into clinical practice to better support East Asian mental health.
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Keywords
East Asian , Asian , mental health , barriers , stigma