Rep. Salinas Introduces Legislation to Address Mental Health Crisis Among Latino Youth

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06) introduced the Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act, legislation to provide for a national awareness and outreach campaign to improve mental health among the Hispanic and Latino youth population.

Latino youth experience higher rates of mental health challenges but are far less likely to get the treatment they need. Recent data shows they report more symptoms of sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts than their peers, yet receive mental health care at disproportionately lower rates.

“Latino youth are facing a mental health crisis, and too many are struggling without support,” said Rep. Salinas. “No young person should ever feel alone or ignored when it comes to their mental health. This bill ensures that every young person can access the culturally informed care they need to feel safe, seen, and supported.”

This bill recognizes that cultural stigma, immigration-related trauma, and discrimination have all negatively impacted the mental health of Latino youth. The Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act takes a comprehensive approach by expanding culturally competent education, outreach, and treatment options nationwide.

Specifically, this bill would:

• Amend the Public Health Service Act to develop and implement a national awareness and outreach campaign that:
• Develops a cultural and linguistically competent awareness approach;
• Increases awareness of symptoms, including prevalence and misconceptions, accounting for population demographics and diverse experiences;
• Expands access to evidence-based, culturally tailored, and trauma-informed mental illness screenings, interventions, and treatment options; and
• Provides mental health materials and resources, in-person and virtual workshops, consultations, and youth mental health first aid training.
• Conduct a study and report to improve mental health services, treatment, and utilization of resources among Latino youth.
• Conduct a study and report to combat the Hispanic and Latino mental health workforce shortage.

“Latino youth face unique mental health challenges, yet too often lack access to culturally responsive care and resources,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “We must ensure that every young person has the support and care they need to thrive. The Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act would help tackle stigma, expand access to care, and build a stronger, more inclusive mental health care system. NAMI is grateful to Rep. Salinas for her leadership on this bill and is proud to support this important legislation.”

“The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is proud to support the Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act, which will help break down cultural and systemic barriers to care and improve mental health outcomes for Hispanic and Latino youth,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer. “With Hispanic students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness at the second highest rate (42 percent) compared to their peers, it is critical that we understand the root causes of this disparity and develop effective strategies to address it. Through its emphasis on awareness, outreach, and workforce development, this legislation helps build the foundation for more equitable mental health care and stronger suicide prevention efforts nationwide.”

“Minority youth such as those in the Latino community are much more at risk to severe mental health struggles and suicidal ideation than their white counterparts. Additionally, they are much less likely to seek help because of inaccessibility and stigma. As a youth-led and BIPOC-led organization, coming from a state that ranks almost last in the nation for access to mental health care, we see firsthand the need for this life-saving legislation. Educational efforts are needed to raise awareness among this community and a larger workforce is required to support those needs. That is exactly what the Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act does. We are so grateful to Congresswoman Salinas for her unwavering support of youth mental health and for championing this bill. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, her support to our organization as a group comprised of high school and college students has been essential in advancing youth mental health priorities. This bill is just another example of what lawmakers need to be prioritizing in this divided climate. These efforts truly save lives and we urge all Members of Congress to sign on in full force,” said Ayaan Moledina, Federal Policy Director for Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT).

"The American Counseling Association (ACA) is proud to support the Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act and continues to be deeply committed to expanding access to mental health services, particularly for marginalized and underserved communities. Everyone deserves access to effective and culturally competent care, but for too long systemic barriers have made care inaccessible for many. The Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act would help provide greater access to mental health resources for young people across the nation and is a crucial step toward ensuring equitable care for all,” said Guila Todd, ACA’s Director of Government Affairs.

“This legislation promotes mental health in the Latino community and would introduce a national awareness campaign to improve mental health for Hispanic and Latino youth,” said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD. “APA supports this bill because it recognizes the disparities that Latino youth face in mental health care and will address these disparities -- and it aligns with APA’s mission to use psychological knowledge to improve people’s lives.” 

The Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act is endorsed by organizations including American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Illness, American Psychiatric Association, American Counseling Association, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, National Board for Certified Counselors, and American Psychological Association Services, Inc.

Full text of the bill is available here.

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