Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the least likely to seek mental health services, compared to other racial minorities and white Americans. Mental Health America reports: 

• 15% of AAPI people reported experiencing mental illness in the previous year  

• Between 2008 and 2018, serious mental illness rose from 2.9% to 5.6% in AAPI young adults (ages 18 to 25)

• An increase in suicidal ideation, plans and attempts among AAPI young adults 

• An increase in major depressive episodes among AAPI youth (ages 12-17), young adults (ages 18-25), and adults aged 26-49

Although some AAPI people are able to secure mental health support, many are not. Some barriers to care include:

• Cultural stigma surrounding mental health issues

• Lack of awareness of available services

• Lack of health insurance

• Difficulties finding culturally responsive therapy 

For AAPI people, working with a culturally competent therapist may be particularly critical for mental health support. In a 2022 article, Brittany Wong describes the disconnect that AAPI people can experience with white providers and offers tips on finding an AAPI therapist. 

AAPI therapists are more likely to understand cultural nuances and experiences specific to many Asian or Pacific Islander heritages. This includes:

• Pressure to excel academically and secure high-paying jobs

• Anxiety in reconciling cultural expectations from parents and grandparents with American majority culture

• Religious intolerance, such as the racial profiling associated with Islamophobia 

The model minority myth presents AAPI people as achievement-oriented through valuing hard work and determination. At the same time, the model minority myth claims that AAPI people don’t experience racism or discrimination. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic, hate crimes against AAPI people have risen exponentially. Stop AAPI Hate is collecting information on incidents and encouraging greater awareness and unity around these crimes.