Though behavioral health (mental health and substance use) concerns are not prominently or routinely addressed in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, these issues are primary contributors to overall health and well-being. The burden of behavioral health conditions for AAPI families and communities is often greater due to limited access and engagement in behavioral health services, lower rates of treatment, and poorer quality care leading to worse outcomes. AAPI families are often reluctant to seek care due to the stigma and discrimination associated with behavioral health conditions, difficulties in finding appropriate services and lack of understanding of both the behavioral health condition and the complex service system. Higher rates of uninsurance also impede attempts to access treatment.
These U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) resources provide information about behavioral health issues and treatment for the AAPI community.
- MentalHealth.gov – one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- HHS Office of Women’s Health
- HHS Office of Minority Health
- National Institutes for Health National Library of Medicine