National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health affects every community, but access to care is not equal. Among Hispanic/Latino adults, lower use of mental health care is associated with differences in access to treatment, including lower rates of receiving care compared with other groups (Office of Minority Health, 2025).
National data show important gaps for Latino communities. Hispanic/Latino adults were 28% less likely than U.S. adults overall to receive mental health treatment, despite millions experiencing mental health conditions each year (Office of Minority Health, 2025). Latino youth also experience serious concerns, with Hispanic/Latina female high school students reporting higher rates of suicide attempts compared with other female students (Office of Minority Health, 2025).
Washington’s Latino communities have experienced similar challenges. Research from the University of Washington Latino Center for Health found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, 13% of surveyed Washington Latinos showed signs of depression and 16% showed signs of anxiety (University of Washington Latino Center for Health, 2021). The same study identified major stressors affecting mental health, including unemployment, lack of insurance, and other social barriers (University of Washington Latino Center for Health, 2021).
For Washington’s Hispanic and Latino communities, improving mental health means expanding access, reducing stigma, and ensuring services reflect culture and language.
Many individuals may face barriers related to immigration concerns, language access, discrimination, or limited availability of Latino behavioral health providers (University of Washington Latino Center for Health, 2021). Community-based and bilingual care helps build trust and connects families with support.
The Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs promotes culturally responsive mental health education and resources created with the Latino community in mind. Visit our website page.