Policy Brief on Asian American Mental Health: Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice
Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial-ethnic group in the United States. Asian Americans face unique practical, cultural and structural barriers to accessing mental health treatment, leading to significant mental health disparities. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic saw a disproportionate rise in mental health issues among Asian Americans due to race-based discrimination and economic stressors. This worrying trend continues the longstanding structural racism against Asian Americans. A multipronged, interdisciplinary approach must be taken to tackle the unique mental health barriers experienced by this diverse demographic. In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness and Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month, this policy brief highlights important research on Asian American mental health, and the implications for research, policy and practice.