Help-seeking among Asian and Pacific Americans: a multiperspective analysis

The attitudes of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders toward mental health and help-seeking at least partly account for rates of underutilization of formal mental health services. This article explores cultural themes and concepts associated with service utilization to better understand patterns and trends in help-seeking by these groups. A multilevel framework based on traditional behavioral and cognitive styles helps explain patterns of help-seeking in a Western context. An analysis of the norms and values governing Asian and Pacific Islander behaviors reveals numerous implications of sensitive and effective treatment.