Young Latinos Are Closing The Mental Health Gap

First- and second-generation Latines navigate an uncomfortable relationship with mental health.

Raised with beliefs that therapy “es para locos” or that depression is a choice, many had to push past what they were feeling rather than process it.

Bad Bunny, Pedro Pascal and Marcello Hernandez helped us explain this cultural and generational gap during an SNL comedy sketch where two generations battle the validity of depression.

They nailed it.

Avoidant Peer Pressure Hinders Treatment

In 2004 a study by the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS) found that approximately 60% of Latinos met the diagnostic criteria for a mood or anxiety disorder.

However, 64% of Latinos versus 40% of non-Latino Whites do not use any mental health service.

The idea that mental health is a legitimate part of overall health was rarely supported for many Latines.

Instead, common sayings like “aguántate” (suck it up) or “no pasa nada” (nothing’s going to happen) were repeated in households as a way to encourage resilience. While often well-intentioned, these messages invalidate feelings and discourage people from coming forward.

READ: My Dad’s First Therapy Session Changed How I View Toxic Masculinity

Family Is To Love What Professionals Are To Thrive

So, where do Latinos turn when they need support?

For generations, familismo, the cultural value of prioritizing family above everything else, has been the ruling principal of most Latines. However, turning to family members and close friends for emotional support can also delay access to professional care.

“…The help-seeking behaviors of Latinos may be delayed because of their preference to trust and confide in reliable and supportive family and friends before considering a mental health professional,” notes a study by Cabassa.

The Narrative Is Shifting

During the COVID pandemic in 2020, the number of Latines seeking therapy increased.

By 2024, 16.4% of Hispanic adults reported receiving mental health treatment in the previous year. This shift is partly driven by increased digital access and a more informed younger generation.

The Telehealth Advantage

According to Gitnux, mental health therapy became more accessible to Latines during the pandemic with Telehealth, a digital, more accessible way of participating in therapy appointments.

It is reported that Telehealth access for Latines increased by 25% after the pandemic.

Social Platforms Promote Relatability

The rise of mental health conversations across social networks like Tiktok and Instagram have helped normalize conversations around mental health.

Latine therapy accounts like @therapylux and @latinxtherapy expand visibility by sharing culturally relevant information and resources to their followers.

Today’s generation of Latines is more willing to explore trauma and burnout, topics that were likely dismissed by previous generations. While significant gaps in access and equity remain, this cultural shift signals meaningful progress.

With all respect to The Queen, Celia Cruz, la vida no es un carnaval, es un rollacoaster. The right treatment can help you enjoy the ups and cope with the falls.

Help And Hope Is Here

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, help is here:

24/7 Crisis Support & Hotlines

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Immediate, confidential suicide and crisis support. Call or text 988, and select Option 2 for Spanish, or text AYUDA to 988. [1]
Crisis Text Line: Free, 24/7 text-based mental health support. Text HOME to 741741 (English) or AYUDA to 741741 (Spanish) to connect with a crisis counselor. [1]
The Trevor Project: Confidential suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ young people. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678 (Bilingual services available). [1, 2, 3, 4]

Directories for Culturally Competent Care

Therapy for Latinx: A national database that helps the Latinx community find culturally responsive mental health professionals, psychiatrists, and life coaches. Search providers on the Therapy for Latinx Directory. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Latinx Therapy: Features a directory where you can search for therapists by specific cultural identity (e.g., Mexican, Colombian, Afro-Latinx) and language. Access the Latinx Therapy Directory.

Peer Support & Advocacy Organizations

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Offers NAMI Compartiendo Esperanza, a free, 90-minute presentation designed to help the Hispanic/Latino community increase mental health awareness. Find local support and educational resources on the NAMI Hispanic/Latino Community page. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Mental Health America (MHA): Provides free mental health screening tools, toolkits, and educational materials translated into Spanish. Review their resources via the Mental Health America Latinx/Hispanic Communities portal. [1, 2, 3]
National Alliance for Hispanic Health: Provides community-based support and bilingual health advocacy resources to the Hispanic/Latino demographic. Learn more at the National Alliance for Hispanic Health site,