Primary care is an accessible, non-stigmatizing environment. Routine mental health conversations with primary care providers can help normalize this topic for Asian Americans.

Suicide has been the leading cause of death for youth Asian Americans 5 years in a row (CDC, 2017-2021). Asian Americans are the only racial group with this statistic in this age range. Moreover, just as Asian American adults are far less likely to seek help than other racial groups, Asian American youth are similar, even if they have mental health services at their schools. By incorporating mentor and peer to peer initiatives, we can reach some of our most vulnerable, high-risk populations.

Low mental health utilization means that Asian Americans often do not seek out care themselves. But mental health problems are associated with a number of challenges in the workplace. By introducing mental health in the workspace, we can help normalize and encourage help-seeking behaviors.

According to survey data collected by the Asian American Federation in 2023, Asian American adults in NYC are more likely to go to a religious-based organization (16%) than an agency specifically providing behavioral health services (8-12%) when seeking mental health services or support. Normalizing mental health topics and help-seeking in faith-based communities can significantly decrease stigma.

More information to come. Please reach out to us if you would like to collaborate.