Presenter(s)

• Angel Mae Elchico, Psychoeducational Services for Asian American Middle School Students, California State University, Los Angeles
• Leigh Tipton Fisler, School Psychology Faculty, Cal State LA

Abstract

The underutilization of mental health services is a prevalent issue among Asian Americans (AA). Although current research has addressed a need for culturally adapted mental health support for AA, there is limited research on providing these services for AA youth. This study aims to create a psychoeducational group that discusses the importance of mental health and overall well-being among AA middle school students, as well as provide the knowledge and tools needed to identify, manage, and seek support for the social-emotional challenges they may face within their adolescence. Results indicated that the participants gained more knowledge and understanding about the importance of mental health, different mental health challenges, coping strategies, and counseling. Participants also appeared to be open to counseling as long as the counselor is someone they can trust. Findings have implications for the development and tailoring of future psychoeducational groups to address the barriers to student participation and engagement due to parent views and perceptions of mental health services, as well as increase the gender ratio and ethnic/racial diversity in future groups.