Three major barriers are highlighted in the tables below. In addition, there has been a strong tendency to misdiagnosis African American psychopathology. For these reasons, many African Americans mistrust mental health professionals. In Asian American cultures, mistrust is characterized by the belief that outsiders should not be involved in personal matters. Within some Asian communities, particularly Chinese and Japanese Americans, emotional and affective needs are met within the family.
Acculturation is defined as the process of adopting the values and customs of the dominant society.
In the United States, this means adapting the values and customs of White society. Higher levels of acculturation are associated with use of mental health professionals. However, it is important to understand that for some people, acculturation may come at a heavy price, cutting them off from family and their respective communities thereby producing more anxiety. These include Black churches, beauty salons, and barbershops. Advice and counsel is also sought from elders in the community who are valued for their wisdom and life experience.