Mental-health care faces language, cultural barriers – Officials cite need for multilingual staff, focus on immigrants – Richmond, Virginia

“Arteagas story is an example of how a resource-challenged mental-health system is reaching out to immigrant communities in the Richmond area. Arteaga, who is from Mexico, was fortunate to find a mental-health therapist who speaks Spanish. She speaks English, but is more comfortable with Spanish. Shaffer could communicate effectively with her and her son.

“As the various groups of immigrants increase .¤.¤. it really challenges the health system to find ways to reach out to people that need our services,” said Michael OConnor, executive director of Henrico County Mental Health and Retardation Services.

Its difficult to find Hispanic and Asians and other minorities in the mental-health field. “There is a lot of competition for minorities who have those credentials,” he said.”

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