Mental health treatment seeking behavior of first- and second- generation immigrant veterans

Abstract

First- and second- generation immigrant veterans (target population) constitute 13% of veterans at large; however, this population’s mental treatment seeking behavior is relatively unknown. Current literature on immigrants and veterans shows that factors related to mental health stigma and cultural mismatch are significant barriers to seeking mental treatment. This cross-sectional study (n-=131) explored the treatment seeking behavior for first- and second- generation immigrant veterans. Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of treatment barriers and facilitators identified in prior research on immigrants and veterans. The findings revealed that the facilitators “access to a culturally competent therapist” and “encouragement from family and friends” increased the odds of seeking mental health treatment; while the barriers of ‘lack of mental health access’ and ‘negative perceptions of mental health’ both decreased the odds of seeking mental health treatment, and bicultural stress increased the odds of seeking mental health treatment. Findings also revealed that a model that included both barriers and facilitators was stronger than models that included only barriers or only facilitators. Implications for future research and social work education, practice, and policy, include the need to increase access, both in accessing a culturally competent therapist and access to mental health care services.