It is well documented that Asian Americans exhibit the lowest utilization rates of mental health services compared to the general population. Despite the infrequent use of mental health services, the Asian American community demonstrates a need for such services. The majority of research on Asian Americans and mental health have primarily focused on identifying cultural factors associated with underuse, but limited research exists to explain how culture affects mental health and the ways in which culture influences the process of illness. This review examines culture's dynamic influence on the development, progression, and treatment of mental illness for Asian Americans and recommends strategies to improve outreach and delivery of services.

Researches the utilization rate and specific counseling needs of Asian American/Pacific Islanders.

This book is a practical and comprehensive guide for clinicians, trainees, and students interested in developing their skills in providing Psychotherapy and Counseling to Asian American Clients. The authors offer a cultural and social environmental framework, which helps mental health professionals conceptualize issues facing Asian American clients as well as strategies for addressing clinical concerns. This book discusses many frequently asked questions regarding clinical work with Asian Americans: Cultural similarities and differences among various Asian American groups; clinical implications of immigration and refugee experiences; strategies for diagnostic assessments; ways to engage Asian American clients in treatment; application of individual, family, and group psychotherapy and counseling; culturally syntonic service delivery models; and training and curriculum issues. Practical suggestions and case examples are offered throughout the book.

Stigma continues to play an integral role in the multifaceted issues facing mental health. While identifying a clear operational definition of stigma has been a challenge in the field, the issues related to stigma grossly affect not only the mental health population but society as a whole. Deconstructing Stigma in Mental Health provides emerging research on issues related to stigma as a whole including ignorance, prejudice, and discrimination. While highlighting issues such as stigma and its role in mental health and how stigma is perpetuated in society, this publication explores the historical context of stigma, current issues and resolutions through intersectional collaboration, and the deconstruction of mental health stigmas. This book is a valuable resource for mental health administrators and clinicians, researchers, educators, policy makers, and psychology professionals seeking information on current mental health stigma trends.

Objective: This systematic review aims to comprehensively analyze the different themes of barriers that contribute to the underutilization of mental health services among Asian Americans living in the United States. Design: Systematic literature review. Methods: Nine databases were used to collect peer-reviewed articles to analyze mental health service utilization among Asian Americans. Inclusion criteria: (a) peer-reviewed articles that were published between 2001 and 2021; (b) studies that recognized the different barriers to mental health utilization among Asian Americans living in the United States; and (c) articles must be written and published in the English language. Results: Three main themes were identified as the barriers to the utilization of mental health services among Asian Americans, namely: (1) Cultural stigma, (2) different values and beliefs in the community, and (3) lack of knowledge regarding mental health services. Conclusion: Most findings reveal that the Asian American community responds to mental health issues depending on individual cultural beliefs. Although mental health services usage among Asian Americans is slowly increasing, it is essential to continue educating about mental health awareness, seeking professional services, and changing cultural perceptions.