Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Distress Profiles and Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Diverse Healthcare Workers Participating in a Mental Health
Sijia Zhang1, Neal Doran2, Desiree Shapiro2
1University of California San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Objectives:
Beyond the universal emotional and mental health challenges faced by all healthcare workers, individuals identifying with certain racial and ethnic groups face amplified stressors and barriers. This study examined distress profiles and help-seeking behaviors among diverse healthcare workers who voluntarily completed a mental health screening at one large, academic medical center.
Methods:
Between May 1, 2009, and March 27, 2025, 6,237 healthcare students, trainees, staff and faculty at the University of California San Diego Health System participated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Interactive Screening Program (ISP). Data from the ISP was used to compare burnout, depression, intense affective states, suicide risk factors, mental health treatment, perceived stigma regarding help-seeking, and attitudes towards institutional support among different racial and ethnic cohorts.
Results:
A disproportionate burden of psychological distress such as depression, suicide risk, and loneliness was revealed among Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI), Hispanic/Latino individuals, and multiracial-identifying individuals. Individuals who preferred not to disclose their racial/ethnic identity were found to exhibit higher levels of burnout, loneliness, and hopelessness.
Conclusions:
Findings underscore the importance of recognizing racial and ethnic disparities in mental health and access to mental healthcare for a diverse workforce, and the need to prioritize inclusive, accessible, and effective resources and policies.
Related Concept Videos
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Surveys
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
