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Oregon Latinos too often struggle to get quality mental health care, report says

Salud Medical Center on Wednesday, April 29. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)

Latinos in Oregon are less likely to seek out mental health care and less likely to complete treatment when they do, according to a new report from the Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

The report, called Crisis de Nuestro Bienestar (Crisis of Our Emotional Well-Being) is the first state study of access to mental health care for Oregon’s growing Latino population, examining 30 years of data about treatment. It was published Thursday by the Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs, with a goal of improving access to care.

Latinos now make up 13% of Oregon’s population and one in four public school students in the state. Marion County has the fifth largest share of Latino residents among Oregon counties, about 27%, and the largest share among urban counties.

The research identified several challenges in access to quality mental health care for Latinos in Oregon, including language and cultural barriers. It noted more specific data needs to be collected about why Latinos withdraw from treatment early so improvements can be made.

Additionally, the report highlights a need for a more diverse mental health workforce, noting bilingual providers often face added demands on their time.

“While caseloads may be similar across mental health professionals, bilingual and bicultural providers are often asked to consult on or provide translation and support to their coworkers for Latino/a/x patients, in addition to their own workloads,” the report found.

Schools are an important referral source for Latino teenagers, but the report noted many parents who want mental health care for their children are unsure where to get help.

-Rachel Alexander