June 18, 2021

In a report released recently by the Latino Center for Health, researchers found that 13% of Latino participants surveyed met the criteria for “depression likely” and 16 percent were seen as “anxiety likely.” Scores were higher for those aged 18–30 or over 65 or were women, divorced or with higher education but lower incomes. In addition 9% of the participants’ scores indicated a clinically significant combination of anxiety and depression.

These percentages were distinctly higher compared to those seen before the pandemic. During the past year, many Latinos experienced higher rates of poverty, unemployment, food and housing insecurities—stressors associated with higher rates of mental illness. According to those surveyed, 39% of participants were unemployed, 41% were uninsured, and 57% had a high school education or less.

Increases in depression and anxiety among Latinos are a cause for concern for Washington’s healthcare community. The state ranks 37th among the 50 states plus the District of Columbia for a higher prevalence of mental illness and less access to care. The availability of mental health providers in Washington state also varies widely from county to county.  In King County, for example, the ratio of mental health providers to the general population is 1 to 220; in Douglas County, that rises to 1 in 1,450.

Recommendations for action include:

  • Make telemedicine and telemental health services permanent.
  • Increase access to evidence-based, culturally responsive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy depression care available by telephone.
  • Incentivize colleges and universities statewide to strength and enhance their equity curriculum by developing and implementing Latino mental health curriculum and academic tracks.

The survey, “Understanding Washington Latinos’ Experiences Around COVID-19,” was administered to 2,500 patients of SeaMar Community Health Centers in western Washington. The final sample consisted of 363 respondents. 

The Latino Center for Health, based at the School of Social Work, operates in partnership with the UW schools of medicine and public health. Supporting emerging scholars is part of its mission to build capacity to address current and emerging health issues facing diverse Latino communities in Washington state. Latinos, the largest and among the fastest growing racial-ethnic groups in Washington, confront daily social and health-related challenges that constitute significant barriers to equitable health care.