Barries of Mental Health in Undocumented Latinos

Abstract

As the rates of mental health continue to grow in the United States, this study aims to review what is being said when it comes to mental illness as it relates to Latinos. Focusing on both documented and undocumented Latinos as a general population within women, men, and youth. In accordance with the US Census Bureau, the number of Latino people is projected to be 28.6% of the entire population by 2060. As the population continues to grow, it is critical that mental health services are increased to be able to reach and support the growing Latino communities in the United States. The method of this research was a literature review of 13+ articles over the past 17 years of literature reviewing the research that has been done to understand what scholars have been saying about mental illness and the relationship with the Latino population (documented & undocumented) in the United States. In order to combat specific barriers that different Latino groups face, advocacy is necessary to provide communities with the resources needed to improve mental health. A common factor in the findings of this study was the lack of scientific research that involved the Latino population and mental health. Specifically with lack of representation in studies that include the mental health of the undocumented Latino population in the United States. In order to be able to provide the changes that are necessary to increase access to mental health services for the Latino population in the United States, there must be a push to begin to include the undocumented and general Latino population in research that focuses on mental health to accurately represent the Latino population.