Unmet needs for mental health services for latino older adults: perspectives from consumers, family members, advocates, and service providers.
This study qualitatively assessed the need for mental health services among Latino older adults in San Diego, California. The primary mental health issue was depression. Primary organizational barriers to accessing services were language and cultural barriers secondary to a lack of translators, dearth of information on available services, and scarcity of providers representative of the Latino community. Other challenges included a lack of transportation and housing, and the need for socialization and social support. Latino older adults experienced their unmet needs in ways associated with their cultural background and minority status. Age- and culturally-appropriate services are needed to overcome these barriers.
Barrio
Concepción
C
School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411, USA. cbarrio@usc.edu
Palinkas
Lawrence A
LA
Yamada
Ann-Marie
AM
Fuentes
Dahlia
D
Criado
Viviana
V
Garcia
Piedad
P
Jeste
Dilip V
DV
D002140:California; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012949:Social Work, Psychiatric