Date of Award

6-2020

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Chang, Janet

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors leading Latinos to withdraw from mental health services through the perspective of mental health therapists. This study employed a qualitative design and data were collected from face-to-face and phone interviews with 10 therapists from Riverside and San Bernardino County. The results of this study identified that Latino client’s low levels of mental health literacy contributed to a higher level of mental health stigma that led to premature withdrawal from services. The study also found that language barrier and job-related issues were major challenges Latino families faced in their continuation of mental health services. This study suggested the need for culturally competent trainings for clinicians to reduce dropout rates among Latino families. The findings of the study also recommended that mental health services should be more accessible to Latino clients by offering them after hours or weekend services at more mental health agencies. It is hoped that this study could raise awareness on the challenges Latino families face to complete treatment, and can assist agencies in implementing new strategies that will assist Latinos in completing mental health treatment.

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