Getting Help
Asian Americans underutilize mental health services.
Physical illness is much more culturally acceptable than mental illness. Research has shown that Asian Americans are 3 times less likely to seek mental health services. This statistic has more to do with lack of appropriate services and barriers to services, rather than a lack of need for services.
With the proper treatment, most symptoms of mental illness can be controlled.
If the possibility of mental illness is a concern for you or someone you care about, please know that there is no shame in seeking treatment and help.
This is perhaps the most important section on this website. Over the years, many people have asked me how to get help when they themselves, or a family member or friend, are suffering. Navigating the mental health system is not easy, and the stigma and shame associated with mental illness create even more barriers to care. Whereas one can easily ask others to recommend a cardiologist or opthalmologist, people hesitate to ask about psychiatrists or therapists due to fears of being judged or perhaps appearing "emotionally weak".
Where to start:
There are many places you can go to for help. A good place to start is by talking to your family doctor or primary care physician. Other places you can go to include:
For information on how to find a psychiatrist, please visit the Find a Psychiatrist / Therapist section.
For an explanation of the differences among psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors, please visit the F.A.Q.'s page.
Physical illness is much more culturally acceptable than mental illness. Research has shown that Asian Americans are 3 times less likely to seek mental health services. This statistic has more to do with lack of appropriate services and barriers to services, rather than a lack of need for services.
With the proper treatment, most symptoms of mental illness can be controlled.
If the possibility of mental illness is a concern for you or someone you care about, please know that there is no shame in seeking treatment and help.
This is perhaps the most important section on this website. Over the years, many people have asked me how to get help when they themselves, or a family member or friend, are suffering. Navigating the mental health system is not easy, and the stigma and shame associated with mental illness create even more barriers to care. Whereas one can easily ask others to recommend a cardiologist or opthalmologist, people hesitate to ask about psychiatrists or therapists due to fears of being judged or perhaps appearing "emotionally weak".
Where to start:
There are many places you can go to for help. A good place to start is by talking to your family doctor or primary care physician. Other places you can go to include:
- Family services, social agencies, or clergy
- Employee assistance program
- Mental health specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
- Community mental health centers
- Hospital psychiatry departments, outpatient clinics and/or inpatient units
- Peer support groups
- Private clinics and facilities
- Phone book or the internet - search "mental health," "health," "social services," "hotlines," or "physicians" for phone numbers and addresses
- Emergency rooms can provide temporary help if you or a loved one is in crisis, and can guide you as to where and how to get further help.
For information on how to find a psychiatrist, please visit the Find a Psychiatrist / Therapist section.
For an explanation of the differences among psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors, please visit the F.A.Q.'s page.