Over 24 million people in the United States are Asian American or Pacific Islanders (AAPI), an identity that encompasses a wide range of countries, ethnicities, nationalities, and identities. However, the AAPI population has the lowest help-seeking rate for mental health services than any other racial/ethnic group.
Aside from language, one big barrier to accessing care is due to the "model minority" myth. The model minority myth refers to a perception that if a group is achieving a high level of success in contrast to other groups, they therefore need fewer, if any, support services. This macroaggression reinforces stereotypes, prevents people from seeking help for fear of not living up to a certain standard, and fails to recognize the unique challenges, needs, and discrimination these communities face.
This year, in celebration of Mental Health Month and AAPI Heritage Month, we have curated a list of evidence-based mental health resources from our Wellbeing for LA Learning Center. These resources are tailored for clinicians and focus on providing culturally responsive care to the diverse populations among the AAPI community, making access to care not only increasingly accessible, but also acceptable.
Human trafficking can be described as the unlawful act of transporting or coercing people in order to benefit from their work or service, typically in the form of forced labor or sexual exploitation. This training is a panel that emphasizes the experiences of human trafficking within the AAPI community. The impact of these unconscionable acts of servitude on one's mental health is a key framework of this panel, especially regarding the long-term effects of trauma. Ways to be culturally responsive and informed when working with AAPI clients who have experienced human trafficking are highlighted as well. As such, there are discussions of sensitive subjects and experiences related to human trafficking, which may resonate on a personal level with some. Please take note and take care of yourself accordingly.
Culturally-informed care refers to the capacity to provide quality-informed interventions that acknowledge, honor, and integrate clients' historical experiences, cultural values, beliefs, and practices. Part one provides information on how reactions to trauma and mental health presentations vary across AAPI cultures. We will delve deeper into culturally-sensitive care and the importance of tailoring assessment questions to better understand how culture creates meaning and can be used as a roadmap to setting positive expectations with regard to treatment. Part two focuses on the integration of culturally-informed practices and cultural adaptions needed to work effectively with AAPI communities.
Outreach and psychoeducation are crucial first steps in providing quality mental health treatment. Often, there is disconnection and lack of resources when reaching out to the AAPI communities. Despite the need for mental health services, a substantial number of AAPI individuals do not seek help. This training focuses on some of the AAPI communities' barriers and stigmas in seeking mental health services. Other factors that contribute to the underutilization of services are also explored. Different therapeutic approaches in outreach and engagement to increase motivation and decrease barriers for AAPI consumers are addressed.
This training provides an overview of clinical presentations and characteristics of addictive disorders among AAPI clients, families, and communities. Best practices for the screening, assessment, and treatment of commonly presenting addictive disorders such as tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, opioid, and stimulant use disorder are covered. Specific attention to gambling disorders are presented given the elevated rate of this disorder among AAPI communities. An overview of the cultural contributions that increase risk and vulnerabilities for addictive disorders is presented. Emphasis on how clinicians can deliver culturally-impactful treatment is discussed, including reviewing treatment resources that are currently available.
Stigma and cultural practices in AAPI communities play a significant role in help-seeking behavior in the face of mental health crises. This training helps mental health providers better recognize the various factors that may give rise to the challenges in crisis intervention work, with consideration to some of the complexities between age, inter-generational differences, and ethnic groups. Identify and share resources and practices that may better serve the needs of AAPI clients and families, while reflecting on the impact of crises on both the client and the provider.
This panel is designed especially for LA County providers working with individuals experiencing (or at risk for) homelessness and experiencing mental illness. Care coordination requires a level of understanding of community partners, navigation amongst multiple systems, and persistence for client care needs. Experts Dr. Trang Hoang, Dr. Glenn Masuda, and Yvonne Sun, LCSW, answer questions and facilitate discussion regarding the nuances of care coordination across diverse populations and the varying considerations and community resources to incorporate for AAPI clients.
The evolution and continuation of anti-AAPI hate throughout U.S. history was based on the belief that AAPIs were inferior and a threat to mainstream Americans. Supported and fostered by legislation, media, and hate crimes, the AAPI population became marginalized individuals. Building an understanding of AAPI history provides a context to understand racism, along with truth and insight. From the 1850s to the present, anti-AAPI hate has impacted the psyche of our communities, creating fear and ongoing trauma. This training is tailored for mental health professionals. It promotes one's development of greater historical empathy. This training includes a discussion on how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated AAPI hate and encourages participants to share how legislation has impacted their family, friends, and clients.