5 tips for navigating mental health care in a bilingual household

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about one in five people in the United States speaks a language other than English at home. 

National Minority Mental Health Month was started to bring awareness to the unique challenges that people from racial and ethnic minority groups may face in the United States.  

For immigrant families, and families where more than one language is spoken regularly, there may be an added challenge in finding consistent and reliable information about mental health.  

Although research by the CDC shows that 1 in 6 U.S. children aged 2–8 years had a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder, a 2018 National Survey of Children’s Health found also that: 

• Anywhere between 19% and 29% of immigrant children had a mental health problem and only 9% of these children had received mental health services. 
• Asian immigrant children were less likely to receive mental health services than White immigrant children  
• Not speaking English at home decreased a child’s likelihood of receiving mental health services. 

This makes it more important than ever to share mental health information in people's native languages and to improve access to mental health services by providing interpreters, bilingual therapists, and therapists who understand the unique cultural variables that families from diverse cultural backgrounds bring.  

“Research shows that providing care in a patient's preferred language improves their understanding of instructions and adherence to medical recommendations,” says Dr. Max Tokarsky, a psychologist at Dayton Children’s. “We strive to reduce barriers that these families face and are committed to impacting their lives in a positive way.” 

For families who are interested in learning more Dr. Tokarsky has five tips for navigating mental health care in in bilingual households.  

1. Look for mental health literacy written in your native language 

Being able to read and understand information about mental health in your native language can be important to begin addressing the topic. You can also try to discuss mental health services and topics within your linguistic community. 

The National Institute of Minority Health and Disparity is working to help spread health information in languages other English through their online resources! 

You can also browse health information in multiple languages thanks to Medline Plus.  

2. Find the right mental health professional 

An important step to navigating mental health care in any household is to find a professional who you can trust to help.  For families in a bilingual household, Dr. Tokarsky recommends looking for therapists, counselors, or psychologists who can form a meaningful connection with the child and the caregivers.  This may be because the professional is competent in both languages, but it is not a requirement!  

Therapists who are comfortable using interpreters and show that they are good at problem-solving any communication barriers when comprehension is not clear may be a good fit for your family! 

What matters most is the comfort of the child and the connection of the family to their professional. There are many ways to see and explain the same situation and when professionals show patience and humility, they are better able to make such a connection. 

3. Support bilingual children 

Children in bilingual households might face unique challenges, such as navigating cultural identities that differ from those of their caregivers and dealing with peer pressures and influences that are culturally foreign to their families.  Children who learn to value both their heritage culture identity and the culture of their surroundings are typically the best adjusted to their bicultural experience.  

In a bilingual household, effective communication is vital. Make sure that your children feel heard and understood, regardless of the language they are most comfortable with. This might mean having family discussions in one language and therapy sessions in another. The goal is to create an environment where open and honest communication thrives. 

4. Don’t shy away from building a support network 

Cultural norms might inhibit a family from seeking support from unfamiliar people and systems of care. Mistrust in systems of care might encourage people in immigrant households to prefer to be more private.  

“Overcoming mental and emotional challenges takes bravery” says Dr. Tokarsky. “Putting effort into finding professionals and community resources you can trust, will produce rewards.” 

 Connect to other families of similar lived experiences, join support groups, and participate in community activities. Sharing experiences and resources can provide invaluable support and encouragement. 

5. Make space for everyone, especially caregivers 

Parents and caregivers, remember to take care of your mental health too! Navigating mental health care in a bilingual household can be challenging, but it’s important to prioritize your well-being. Practice self-care routines that resonate with you, whether it’s taking a walk, meditating, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea. 

Mental health care is not one-size-fits-all. Cultural sensitivity plays a crucial role in effective treatment. Embrace the process with an open heart and mind and remember that seeking help is a sign of strength! 

more resources for bilingual families 

• Spanish speakers can call this hotline for help finding therapy services: 937-203-0594 
• Mental Health Toolkit for Spanish speaking families
• Medline Plus Health Information in various languages
• The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health multi-language resources
• Transcultural Mental Health Centre

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