Intersecting Inequities: Latinx Access To Mental Health Services

<p>This study examined barriers to mental health service utilization among Latinx populations using data from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Through the theoretical frameworks of Minority Stress Theory and Toxic Stress Theory, the study investigated the relationships between age, language proficiency, socioeconomic status, and mental health service access among different Latinx subgroups. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, multiple regression, and mediation analyses on a sample of Latinx adults (N = 9,852). Results indicated associations between age and English proficiency (χ² = 145.23, p < .001, Cramer's V = 0.38), with 45% of adults aged 50 and older reporting limited English proficiency. Socioeconomic analysis revealed that 32% of older Latinx adults reported family incomes below $20,000, with insurance status partially mediating the relationship between income and service utilization (indirect effect = 0.15, 95% CI [0.08, 0.23]). differences in utilization rates emerged among Latinx subgroups (F(6, 1243) = 8.76, p < .001, η² = 0.12), with Mexican-origin individuals showing higher utilization (10%) compared to Puerto Rican individuals (2-3%). Age and socioeconomic status demonstrated interaction effects (β = 0.18, p < .01), while language proficiency moderated the relationship between age and service utilization (β = 0.24, p < .001). These findings suggest that barriers to mental health service utilization among Latinx populations are complex and interconnected, requiring multilevel interventions that address linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic factors simultaneously. Implications for healthcare policy and service delivery are discussed, emphasizing the need for culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate mental health services.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation - Public Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Counselor Education and Supervision

Year dc:date.available

2025

Author dc:creator

• Thorson, Melissa

Contributors dc:contributor

• Laura Schmuldt
• Ruth Quiroa

• Latino/a/e/x
• Latinx mental health
• healthcare disparities
• service utilization
• minority stress
• toxic stress
• cultural competency
• Community Health
• Counselor Education
• Social Justice

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/905

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.nl.edu:diss-1974