Why Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders Don't Go To Therapy
Let's talk about it —
Why Is Mental Health Important?
It impacts how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to people around us.
Why This Matters in Our Community
Korean Americans and many Asian Americans are often seen through the “model minority” lens, which can hide real mental health needs. In many families, mental health is still difficult to discuss because of stigma and fear of bringing shame, so symptoms are often minimized or kept private.
Urgent Context
Reported rates of depression among Korean Americans are significantly higher than the U.S. general population, and research has shown elevated suicide risk trends in the community. A major meta-analysis has estimated depression prevalence near one-third among Korean American adults, which suggests many families may be navigating these challenges quietly.
Barriers to Seeking Help
Social stigma, language barriers, cultural barriers, and limited awareness all reduce access to care. Asian Americans are frequently identified as one of the least likely groups to seek professional mental health support.
Protective Factors
1
Strong ethnic group identification
2
Family cohesion and parental support
How MSG Responds
Mustard Seed Generation builds bilingual, bicultural spaces that help families, church leaders, and professionals talk openly about mental health and strengthen intergenerational relationships.
See Our WorkLearn more about mental health
The role of pastors in Korean American mental health