Hmong Mental Health: An assessment of need in greater Saint Paul, Minnesota area

The Wilder Foundation in Saint Paul, Minnesota and Ramsey County's Children's Mental Health Services (CMHS) programs have observed particularly low mental health service use rates among Hmong youth and adults. To determine whether low service use reflected a lack of need for mental health services or if the Hmong face significant barriers to accessing services, Wilder Research explored the mental health needs of Hmong youth and adults. Cultural and community barriers impact the awareness of mental health and available services, as well as willingness to use services within the Hmong community. Many Hmong were unaware of mental health and mental health services, and how to access such services. Furthermore, stigma and shame around mental health issues are prevalent, and Hmong face challenges choosing services in either the traditional Hmong system or more western mental health services. Due to limited access to services, wait times to see a mental health professional are long, especially if a Hmong provider is preferred. Intake processes can also be daunting and culturally insensitive, and the mental health system lacks culturally relevant mental health screening and assessment tools for Hmong youth and adults. Available assessments may not accurately identify mental health concerns and issues within a cultural context. This presentation will highlight findings from the assessment, and identify opportunities for improving access, availability, and cultural sensitivity and appropriateness of various mental health services for youth and adults.