Health Services
Mental Health
Mental health is essential to well-being and leading a healthy life. Hispanic communities face an increased need for mental health services, driven by challenges such as adapting to a new city or school system, along with other sociocultural factors. Hispanics, compared to non-Hispanics, are at higher risk for severe mental illness, such as:
Depression
Anxiety
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Suicide Ideation
Discrimination
Poverty
Trauma from immigration journeys
Social Isolation
Emotional Stress
Lack of Spanish speaking mental health professionals
Due to the stigmatization of mental health and other barriers, Hispanics are also less likely to obtain treatment. Some of these barriers are related to:
Language
Access to Health Insurance
Income
Transportation
Technology
Housing
Immigration Status
Stigma
Awareness of mental health conditions or mental health services
52.6%
Hispanic adults in the U.S. do not receive mental health treatment
28%
Hispanic high school students in Indiana reporting poor mental health
20%
Hispanic high school students in Indiana reporting suicidal thoughts
Services Offered
NIHHC works to overcome barriers, increase access to mental health services, and reduce the risk of developing serious mental health conditions through preventative health care services and educational programs that equip community members with the tools to prevent maladaptive coping strategies and support personal growth and good mental health.
Preventive Health Screenings and Vaccinations
Maintaining your physical health is crucial for good mental health and well-being. NIHHC offers a variety of health screenings and vaccinations free of cost or at low cost. Health screenings can help you identify health conditions before you have symptoms, when they may be easier to treat. Vaccinations protect against infections that can trigger or worsen chronic conditions. NIHHC’s Promotoras de Salud will help you understand your screening results and determine next steps. Learn more >
Educational Resources
NIHHC offers educational resources in Spanish regarding information on mental health. Resources include informational videos and other informative materials. Learn More >
Referrals
Our Promotoras de Salud can refer you to affordable and appropriate health care services in our area, including physicians, social workers, and health care facilities. Learn more >
Servicios de Interpretación
Interpretation services are available for health care services. NIHHC’s bilingual staff who are trained in cultural sensitivity and health-related services can assist you with getting access to the health care services you need. Learn more >
Educational Programs
Somos Resilientes
The Somos Resilientes program (“We are Resilient”) was developed by NIHHC. This mental health prevention program is specifically tailored for newly arrived Hispanic immigrant students aged 12 to 20. The program focuses on promoting overall well-being—social, emotional, and physical—while recognizing and addressing the cultural factors that affect learning.
- Equip students with positive techniques for managing life stressors in a new environment, country, and educational system
- Increase awareness and knowledge regarding mental health, stigma, culture, substance use disorder, trauma, and other risk and protective factors
- Reduce the risk of substance use and other unhealthy behaviors
- Empower youth to make informed decisions and prepare for future success
Vivamos a Plenitud
Vivamos a Plenitud (“Let’s Live to the Fullest”)
is an educational mental health program, developed by NIHHC, that aims to provide education and prevention strategies to Spanish-speaking immigrant adults to improve overall well-being (social, emotional, and physical).
- Equip participants with positive coping techniques to address the impact of cultural influences and violence on physical and emotional well-being
- Increase awareness and knowledge about mental health, substance use disorder, culture, and risk factors such as stigma, domestic violence, and generational trauma
- Reduce the risk of substance use and other unhealthy behaviors