Challenges Faced by Mexican Americans when Accessing Mental Health Care Service Utilization along the South Texas – Mexico border

Romeo Escobar ,John M Gonzalez ,Denise A Longoria ,Nelda M Rodriguez

doi:10.33790/jmhsb1100128

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the challenges Mexican Americans face when accessing mental health care service utilization along the South Texas-Mexico border. Disparities in access and use of health and mental health services have led Latinos to be disproportionately represented among those most at-risk for chronic health and mental health illnesses and less likely to receive guideline congruent care. Research on mental health service utilization has documented the presence of economic, cultural, and structural barriers that contribute to the underutilization of health services by Latinos. Researchers conducted three focus groups with 25 mental health providers in the South Texas-Mexico border region. Researchers followed a semi-structured question list and probed for detail from group participants. Kleinman’s Explanatory Model [1] guided the question list. The researchers used ethnographic content analysis to analyze the transcripts. Providers reported several challenges when it came to accessing mental health services. The challenges included limited access to insurance, minimal knowledge of mental health, lack of family involvement, few providers, medication management, stigma, and culture.

Highlights

Accessing mental health care should be available to anyone in need of these services; for some individuals accessing these services can be a great challenge
Studies should focus on several questions which come to mind regarding studying Mexican Americans and their families
What factors affect accessing mental health care services? How does the Mexican American cultural belief system impact the decision to seek treatment services? How do Mexican Americans and their families cope with stigma related to mental health? Is there a set of coping skills that Mexican Americans and their families use to access mental health services?

Summary

Introduction

Accessing mental health care should be available to anyone in need of these services; for some individuals accessing these services can be a great challenge. For purposes of this article, the term Mexican American has been used in relation to data obtained by the authors; the data obtained from the literature review may be more inclusive of other Latinos. Latinos are less likely to receive mental health treatment when compared to other ethnic groups [2, 3]. Research on mental health service utilization has documented the presence of economic, cultural, and structural barriers that contribute to the underutilization of health services by Latinos when compared to other ethnic groups [4]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion