Mental Health Resources for Latinos: Support and Services

Social barriers complicate access to mental health care for Latinos. A Pew Research Center study indicates that nearly half of U.S. Latinos frequently seek health information from social media, exceeding the national average of 36%. Additional issues include limited transparency regarding family medical histories, fear of stigma and discrimination related to mental health care, and difficulties in taking time off work.

Moreover, the mental health workforce is predominantly white, with only 7% of licensed psychologists in the U.S. identifying as Latinx. A 2015 American Psychological Association study found that a mere 5.5% of practitioners can provide assistance in Spanish, contributing to a lack of culturally competent care.

Despite these challenges, numerous resources aimed at supporting the mental health of the Latino community are available. De Los has compiled a list of therapists and support groups that offer culturally appropriate support in Los Angeles and online.

**Databases for Latinx Therapists**

Latinx Therapy includes a network of over 100 Latinx therapists in Los Angeles, alongside online options that accept various health insurance plans. The platform connects individuals seeking therapy with practitioners experienced in areas such as depression, anxiety, grief, and identity issues.

Similarly, Therapy for Latinx provides a directory of therapists throughout California, highlighting their specialties and allowing client reviews for better selection.

**Support Groups**

El Centrito de Apoyo, operated by the Project Return Peer Support Network, offers a Spanish-language resource hub that fosters wellness and offers support groups, education, and activities like Baile Folklorico.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness - Urban Los Angeles (NAMI) hosts support groups and classes both online and in-person in English and Spanish, aimed at individuals and their families.

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance provides support groups for those living with bipolar disorder and depression in both languages. A 2024 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration survey noted that 20.7% of Hispanic or Latino adults experienced mental illness that year.

**LatinX LGBTQ+ Support**

Mi Centro, part of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, offers mental health support tailored to Latinx LGBTQ+ individuals, addressing cultural and linguistic needs. Latinx LGBTQ+ youth face a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to their non-Latinx peers.

Bienestar provides long-term counseling for Latinx and LGBTQ+ individuals in Greater Los Angeles, facilitating therapy sessions in individual, partner, or family formats.

**Hotline Resources**

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers confidential emotional support 24/7 in English and Spanish, helping individuals in emotional distress. The service has reinstated a “Press 3” option for specialized support for LGBTQ+ youth.

Crisis Text Line connects people to trained crisis counselors through text support in both languages. Text HOME to 741741 to receive help.

The California Peer Run Warm Line provides peer-led support for various mental health challenges and can be reached at 855-600-WARM (9276).

Lastly, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Helpline offers 24/7 confidential assistance for mental and substance use disorders at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).