My path to becoming a bilingual clinical psychologist began at a very young age. I grew up in an immigrant family on the South Side of Chicago, a neighborhood once considered one of the most dangerous in America. Violent gang activity made even the simple act of walking to kindergarten class risky, we weren’t allowed to play in the backyard, and the safety and quality of our schools was compromised.
This daily and persistent trauma has impacted the trajectory of my life.
When I was 10 years old, I finally mustered the courage to talk to my mom about my mental health. I told her, “Oh, I feel sad almost every day. I wake up and think I’m not sad anymore, but I’m always sad. Sometimes I can’t breathe, and the walls just close in on me.”
My mother’s reaction was similar to that of many parents, especially in the Latino community — not because she wasn’t considerate, but because we didn’t discuss mental health. My mother said, “Mija, but you have everything: a family that loves you, a roof over your head, food in your belly.” Looking back, she wasn’t wrong, especially considering her own experiences growing up.
However, this reaction caused me to suffer from anxiety and depression for 10 years, eventually rendering me unable to function at home, school, or in my relationships. I finally sought therapy, but encountered barriers to finding therapists and culturally competent care.
One of the driving forces behind my decision to become a clinical psychologist was the lack of professionals to meet the overwhelming demand for mental health resources, especially in diverse communities, and when it came time to match for a residency, I decided to go where my presence was most needed.
Since beginning my work here in Texas in 2011, I have witnessed significant trauma within the vast and growing Latino community. Our geography near the border creates unique challenges, including immigration issues such as deportation, family separation, and community unrest, severely impacting individuals and families.
This complex and raw trauma was perpetuated because families lacked even basic foundational support systems: many held shame and stigma around mental health issues, similar to the mindset of the Latino community I grew up in. Additionally, many of the families I was treating had experienced personal and collective trauma from witnessing and hearing what others were experiencing.
Facing clients in these circumstances was a harsh reality that I did not fully anticipate when I began my clinical work.
Texas ranks dead last when it comes to access to mental health care: According to the American Psychological Association, even though Hispanics make up the largest portion of the state’s population at 40.2%, only 7% of licensed psychologists nationwide identify as Hispanic or Latino and only 5.5% of therapists offer services in Spanish.
Without providers who understand cultural nuances and can communicate in patients’ preferred languages, receiving mental health care becomes another hurdle in breaking down stigma and getting people the help they need. In 2020, the American Psychological Association issued a call to action to diversify the field of psychology to meet the growing demands of the American public. Representing different elements of diversity is essential to meeting America’s mental needs.
The lack of mental health services for Latinos in Texas cannot be ignored. Without access to mental health services, tools, and resources, millions of people struggle to cope with stress and trauma, leading to an overall decline in the health of their entire lives and communities.
- Recognizing that mental health is part of our overall health is the first step. Mental health deserves the same consideration and resources as physical illnesses like diabetes or heart disease. This simple but important shift in perspective could save countless lives.
- We need to create more sustainable funding models for the education of mental health professionals and for increasing awareness of opportunities to work in the mental health field. This will require breaking down barriers to education, including cost, attracting a diverse workforce, mentorship opportunities, and improving salaries for mental health professionals.
- Improving access to and equity in mental health services is essential so that everyone can get the support they need. Expanding mental health funding and training more service providers in culturally competent care can improve outcomes.
- Schools need a holistic mental health approach, providing teachers with social-emotional tools and involving parents as support partners at home can help identify and address mental health issues early.
- Supporting children’s mental health is a universal need that requires bipartisan support. Because mental health affects us all, it requires open dialogue, comprehensive solutions, and public-private partnerships.
It’s important that we talk more about mental health in our schools, homes and communities. You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference in someone’s life – just listening and understanding can make a big impact.
Dr. Jessica Gomez is a clinical psychologist. Momentus Research InstituteBased in Dallas.
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