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Throughout this post, we use the terms Latinx / Latine / Latino / Latina to acknowledge that individuals and communities may prefer different identifiers. If you have your own preference, we honor that.

A Time to Celebrate, Reflect, and Uplift

Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) is a time to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States. At TheraHeal, we believe this recognition also offers a powerful opportunity to elevate the conversation around mental health within Latinx communities—honoring not only cultural pride, but also the resilience and healing work happening across generations.

Latinx individuals in the U.S. often navigate the intersection of cultural identity, systemic challenges, and mental health stigma. Through this month’s reflections, we aim to highlight the unique strengths of the community, the barriers that still exist, and the resources available for healing, empowerment, and connection.

Cultural Strengths and Shared Challenges

The Latinx community is beautifully diverse—representing multiple countries, languages, spiritual practices, and histories. But many people across these cultures share common values that shape how mental health is viewed and addressed, including:

• Familismo – Strong family ties and collective responsibility 
• Spirituality and faith – As sources of strength and coping 
• Respect for elders – Which can shape how emotional vulnerability is expressed 

While these cultural values are powerful, they may also contribute to silence around mental health—especially when therapy is seen as a “last resort,” or when seeking help is viewed as weakness. Language barriers, lack of bilingual therapists, immigration-related stress, and experiences of discrimination can all intensify the gap in accessible and affirming care.

The Data: A Mental Health Gap

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):

• Latinx adults are 50% less likely to receive mental health treatment compared to non-Hispanic white adults. 
• Among Latinx youth, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for those ages 10–24. 
• Fewer than 6% of psychologists identify as Latinx, making cultural representation and understanding limited in many care settings. 

This gap is not due to a lack of need—but to structural and systemic barriers that still must be addressed. That’s why prevention, advocacy, and culturally competent care are so crucial.

A Growing Movement of Latinx Mental Health Advocates

Despite the challenges, there is a growing wave of Latinx voices reshaping how mental health is understood and accessed. A few inspiring figures to follow and learn from:

• Dr. Mariel Buqué – Afro-Dominican psychologist known for her work on generational trauma and holistic healing. 
• Johanna Toruño – Salvadoran-American visual artist whose Unapologetically Brown Series brings art and healing into public spaces. 
• Latinx Therapy – A digital platform breaking the stigma around mental health by uplifting Latinx clinicians and culturally relevant conversations. 

Mental Health Resources for the Latinx Community

If you or someone you love is seeking culturally responsive support, here are several free or low-cost resources to explore:

• Therapy for 1st Generation Immigrants – See the services offered by TheraHeal that focus on your experience as a 1st generation imigrant 
• NAMI Compartiendo Esperanza – Educational video series to raise mental health awareness in the Latinx community. 
• La Clínica del Pueblo (Washington, DC) – Provides bilingual, culturally affirming mental health and wellness services to Latinx immigrants in the DMV region. 
• Casa Ruby (Washington, DC) – Offers community-based mental health and housing services for LGBTQ+ Latinx individuals. 
• DC Latino Economic Development Center – Not a therapy provider, but offers housing and business services to support financial wellness and stability—both important for mental health. 

At TheraHeal, Representation Matters

We believe everyone deserves access to healing in a space where they feel seen, heard, and supported. While we don’t specialize exclusively in Latinx therapy services, we are committed to cultural humility and ongoing training to better serve our diverse community. Our work is grounded in the belief that equity in mental health is not optional—it’s essential.