Mental Health and the Latinx Community: Myths, Barriers, and the Truth About Therapy
Let’s be real—talking about mental health in the Latinx community isn’t always easy. A lot of us grew up hearing things like “Eso es para locos” (That’s for crazy people) or “Solo reza y se te pasa” (Just pray, and it’ll go away). Therapy wasn’t something we saw in our families, and if someone did go, it was kept super quiet.
But here’s the thing—mental health is just as important as physical health. And therapy? It’s not about being “crazy.” It’s about healing, growing, and learning to take care of yourself in ways our culture never really taught us.
So let’s talk about it. Let’s break down the myths, the cultural barriers, and, most importantly, how you can find the support you deserve.
Myths About Therapy That Need to Go
“Therapy is for crazy people.”
Nope. Therapy is for people who want to heal, understand themselves better, and create a healthier life. It’s for people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief—basically, life. You don’t have to be at rock bottom to benefit from therapy. You just have to be human.
“We don’t talk about our problems with strangers.”
I get it—many of us grew up with the idea that family problems stay in the family. But what if your family doesn’t have the tools to support you the way you need? What if keeping things quiet is actually making you feel worse?
Talking to a therapist isn’t about betraying your family. It’s about taking care of you. And honestly? Sometimes we need an outside perspective—someone who won’t judge us or tell us to just “get over it.”
“Just pray about it.”
Faith and therapy don’t have to be separate. You can do both. Prayer can bring you strength, but therapy gives you the tools to process your emotions in a healthy way. Seeking help doesn’t mean you don’t have faith—it means you’re human and deserve support.
“Therapy is too expensive.”
I won’t lie—therapy can be expensive, but there are affordable options. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees (meaning they adjust prices based on what you can afford), and there are community mental health centers that provide low-cost therapy. There’s help out there—you just have to know where to look (I’ll share some resources at the end!).
Why It’s Hard to Ask for Help in Our Culture
Familismo and Keeping Secrets
In Latinx culture, familismo teaches us that family is everything. That’s beautiful—but sometimes it also means we’re pressured to stay quiet about things that shouldn’t be kept secret, like trauma, abuse, or mental health struggles.
If you grew up being told, “Lo que pasa en la familia, se queda en la familia” (What happens in the family, stays in the family), you’re not alone. But keeping things inside doesn’t make them go away—it just makes the pain heavier.
Religious and Cultural Beliefs
A lot of us were raised to be fuertes (strong), to aguantar (endure), to not complain. That mindset can make it really hard to admit when we’re struggling. But suffering in silence doesn’t make you stronger—it just makes you feel alone. And you don’t have to go through it alone.
Gender Roles and Mental Health
Men in our community are often taught to be “strong” by bottling up their emotions. Women are expected to take care of everyone else before themselves. Therapy challenges these ideas by showing us that emotions aren’t weaknesses—they’re human.
So… How Do You Ask for Help?
1. Know That You Deserve Support
If no one has told you this before, let me be the first: You deserve to feel better. You deserve peace. You deserve healing. And you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
2. Find a Therapist Who Gets You
One of the best things you can do is find a therapist who understands Latinx culture, family expectations, and the unique struggles we face. A therapist who gets it will never shame you for your beliefs or background.
A great place to start is the Latinx Therapy Directory—a website where you can find bilingual, culturally competent therapists. Check it out here: 👉 Latinx Therapy Directory
3. Look for Affordable Therapy Options
If money is a concern, here are some ways to find low-cost therapy:
✅ Community mental health clinics
✅ Sliding scale therapists (who adjust their fees based on your income)
✅ Nonprofits that offer therapy at reduced costs
✅ Therapy directories that list affordable providers
4. Start Small
If reaching out to a therapist feels overwhelming, start by talking to someone you trust—a friend, a mentor, even an online support group. Opening up is the first step.
You’re Not Alone—Here’s Where to Get Help
- Latinx Therapy – www.latinxtherapy.com
- Therapy for Latinx – www.therapyforlatinx.com
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Latinx Resources – www.nami.org
- Open Path Collective (Affordable Therapy Directory) – www.openpathcollective.org
Final Thoughts
I know therapy can feel scary. I know it’s hard to unlearn years (sometimes generations) of silence. But you don’t have to carry this alone. Healing is possible. Support is out there. And you deserve to feel better.
So if you’ve been thinking about therapy but have been afraid to take that first step—this is your sign. There are people who understand your culture, your struggles, and your strengths. You just have to take the first step.
Check out the Latinx Therapy Directory and find someone who gets you. 💛
You are not alone. Healing is possible. And it starts with asking for help.