By Gabriela Rodriguez
Trinity Times Correspondent

When Trinity Washington University student Consuelo Hernandez realized she was on the verge of a mental health crisis, she hesitated to seek help, fearing judgment from her family.

Hernandez eventually turned to Trinity’s free counseling services but discovered a new obstacle: the university’s counselors did not fluently speak Spanish. She wondered how effective therapy could be if she couldn’t communicate in her native language.

“Consuelo Hernandez” is a pseudonym used to protect the identity of the 20-year-old psychology major, given the strong stigma surrounding mental illness in many Latino communities.

Mental health remains a sensitive subject in many Latino households, where therapy is often perceived as a sign of weakness. Deeply rooted cultural, religious and economic factors can make it difficult for Latino students — like those at Trinity — to access the support they need while navigating college life.

According to a 2018 report by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, only 36% of Latino adults with a mental health disorder receive treatment, compared with 52% of non-Hispanic white adults. Language barriers, stigma and lack of insurance are among the leading causes of this disparity. The impact extends to younger generations, who must balance academic pressures with cultural expectations while lacking adequate support.

Cultural Barriers and Stigma

Stigma surrounding mental health is widespread, but it is particularly prevalent in Latino culture. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that the belief that seeking help is a sign of weakness continues to discourage many students from accessing professional care.

A 2017 report from the American Psychiatric Association noted that only 5% of psychologists in the U.S. identify as Latino, making it harder for Hispanic students to find culturally competent providers who understand their experiences.

“Younger students may feel more comfortable seeking help, but they often face resistance from family members who have a more traditional view on mental health,” said Rosa Reyes, director of the Dream Partnership and student success advisor at Trinity.

Despite growing awareness through social media and education, many Latino students still struggle with internalized shame and hesitation around therapy.

Gaps in Mental Health Services at Trinity

One of the most significant barriers Latino students face at Trinity is the lack of bilingual mental health professionals. According to Trinity’s Health and Wellness Center, only two counselors serve the entire student body, and none are listed as Spanish speaking.

“Trinity does not provide mental health support in Spanish, so I have to look for resources elsewhere,” Hernandez said. “My first language is Spanish, and although I can speak English, I feel more comfortable discussing my emotions in my native language.”

This problem extends beyond Trinity. Nationwide, only 6.8% of mental health providers speak Spanish, according to the American Psychological Association.

“We currently have two counselors, but expanding bilingual services would be a significant step forward in making mental health care more accessible,” said Anne Cosimano, a licensed clinical social worker and counselor at Trinity. “Language is a major factor in a student’s comfort level and willingness to seek help.”

Although Trinity offers free counseling and emergency funds for students in crisis, the need often exceeds available resources. Some students hesitate to seek help because of cultural stigma, while others struggle to express their emotional needs in English.

Moving Forward: Steps for Improvement

Addressing mental health challenges among Latino students requires a multifaceted approach. To better serve its diverse student population, Reyes suggests that Trinity Washington University could:

• Hire bilingual mental health professionals to eliminate language as a barrier to care.
• Expand outreach and education efforts through culturally relevant workshops and conversations.
• Partner with external organizations to offer culturally competent services.

“Breaking the silence around mental health in Latino culture is essential for student well-being and academic success,” Reyes said.