On May 25, 2023, NYHealth hosted a webinar on the current state of mental health in the AAPI community. Guest speaker Joo Han, Deputy Director of Asian American Federation, discussed what providers and community members can do to increase access to culturally competent mental health services for the Asian-American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in New York City.
A 2021 report from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found that AAPI New Yorkers with depression are less likely than their white counterparts to receive mental health treatment. Additionally, with a recent rise in hate crimes against Asians and xenophobic sentiment in New York City, it is vital that there are accessible and high-quality mental health services available for members of the AAPI community.
Improving the state of New York’s health care requires culturally competent mental health services. While significant public and private dollars are invested in New York’s mental health care system each year, a dire shortage of mental health services remains for the AAPI community, one of the fastest growing racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
Asian-led, Asian-serving community-based organizations have been critical in narrowing the service gap to ensure culturally competent mental health care is available to reach some of the most marginalized community members.
Watch the webinar recording and see all speaker slides.
Resources
Anti-Asian Bias Reporting:
- If emergency, dial 911 – you can specify which language you need
- If harassment in housing, work, public place, call CCHR: 212-416-0197
- Non-police option
Mental Health Support: