Why Many Immigrant Families Avoid Therapy and Mental Health Support

It is now more common to talk about mental health, but for a great many immigrant families, therapy can still seem unfamiliar, unnecessary or even uncomfortable.

One parent could say, “We got by without having therapy when I was a child.” Another might be concerned about what relatives or members of their community will think. A young person may want to seek help but delay because they don't want to disappoint their parents or be seen as having a problem.

The reasons are usually more complex than just not believing in therapy.

Cultural Beliefs Can Shape How We See Mental Health

When families move to a new country, they bring their experiences, values, and beliefs. In certain cultures, people see emotional struggles as something to handle privately, through the family, through faith, prayer, or personal strength.

Research shows how important these cultural components are. A systematic review of 19 studies revealed that stigma, cultural beliefs, limited English proficiency and a lack of trust in health practitioners can all influence immigrants' willingness to get professional mental health help. PubMed.

It doesn't imply that families don't care about mental health; rather, they have their own way of understanding and dealing with emotional difficulties.

“What Will People Think?”

Stigma can be a major obstacle.

Some parents may worry they have not done their job properly if they get their child therapy. Young people might fear being called 'difficult', 'weak' or 'troubled'. In other cases, they may worry that private family issues will become public.

The CDC points out that stigma associated with mental health can cause individuals to put off seeking care or cause them to discontinue treatment. King's College London.

For immigrant families, their concerns may also include fears of discrimination, doubts about social acceptance, and the difficulty of trusting strange institutions.

Practical Barriers Matter Too

The greatest obstacle isn't culture—it's access.

High costs, lack of insurance, transportation issues, inconvenient appointment times, and language barriers can all make it hard to access therapy. The CDC states that logistical difficulties, the limited availability of interpretation services and the absence of culturally informed care are barriers which affect refugees' follow-up with mental health professionals. MDPI

Research has likewise repeatedly found that cost, insurance, and language act as major barriers to the use of mental health services by immigrants. (PubMed Central (PMC)

Making Support Feel Safer and More Familiar

The solution is to build bridges rather than telling families that their beliefs are wrong.

People, community organisations, religious groups, parents, and healthcare practitioners can all help make conversations about mental health more common. Information on mental health should be provided in plain language and, whenever possible, through culturally responsive services.

Above all, families need to understand that asking for help should not be seen as a sign of failure; instead, it is another way to look after themselves and the people they love.

For immigrant families, the first step in making mental health support more accessible should be to listen, to understand and to create situations in which people feel respected instead of judged.

Visit www.mychildandme.uk or www.parentskills2go.org for more information.