The background of the problem is Asian Americans are not adequately accessing mental health services. The problem is that some members of the Asian American communities in the United States have limited access to mental health support services. There is limited research regarding community-based organizations providing direct mental health support to the Asian American community. The purpose of this exploratory case study was to explore the perspectives of community-based leaders regarding access to mental health support in Asian American communities across the United States. Research questions included how community-based leaders viewed access to mental health support services for the Asian American community, what challenges leaders believed Asian Americans encountered when accessing mental health support, and what mental health supports were available in community-based organizations. Purposive samples consisted of leaders from community-based organizations throughout the United States who offered support and resources to the diverse Asian American community. Data were collected through personal interviews. Interview data were analyzed using a computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS). Significant emerging themes were stigma and cultural taboos around mental health, community reliance on informal support systems, and lack of dedicated funding and resources for mental health programs. Findings illuminate the need to prioritize culturally competent mental health services, secure increased funding for mental health program expansion including community outreach and education, and build strategic partnerships with "cultural brokers".

Authors:
May Saengpraseuth Alirad, American College of Education, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. May Saengpraseuth Alirad is the executive director at the Lao-American Organization of Elgin, IL. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Dr. May is a global advocate for mental health and wellness, sexual assault, and pregnancy loss.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmaysalirad/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

Bookmark