Barriers of Mental Health in Undocumented Latinos Ashley Perez, University of Illinois at Chicago Dr. Joseph Hoereth, Institute for Policy & Civic Engagement, University of Illinois at Chicago Research Objective As the rates of mental health illness continue to grow in the United States, this study aims to review what is being said when it comes to mental illness and undocumented Latino immigrants. Taking the opportunity to peer into what is being said in the subpopulations within the undocumented Latino immigrants: women, men, and youth. The question that is being explored is: What are the barriers to accessing mental health services for undocumented Latino immigrants in the United States? The purpose of this study is to encourage researchers to ensure they are acutely aware of the subpopulations of undocumented Latinos that need to be included in studies that focus on mental health and to encourage policymakers to include undocumented Latino immigrants in public policy to increase access to mental health services. Methodology (Literature review: 1985 to 2022) Journals: J. of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, Hispanic Health Care Intern., Intern. J. Of Geriatric Psychiatry, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Advances In Nursing Science, Medical Care, Psychiatric Services, Social Science & Medicine, Hein Law J., American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Social Science & Medicine, Health Politics Policy Law, J Immigrant Minority Health. Latinos in General Undocumented Latinos in General Undocumented Latina Women & Depression Undocumented Latino Men & Emotionality • Depression in Latina women is more prevalent with only 13.8% of Latinas receiving any type of mental health support in 2008 (Shatell, 2008). • In 2016, 10% of undocumented Latina immi- grants received mental health care when 45% met the criteria for depression (Derr, 2016). • Latina women are more likely to have higher rates of post-partum depression with 60% of undocumented Latina immigrants showing sig- nificant PPD that could lead to suicidal think- ing, according to a study conducted in 2013 (Shellman, 2013). • Latino men have higher rates of successful suicide than Latina women, four times the rate in 2018 (CDC, 2021). • Undocumented Latino men are more likely to experience restrictive emotionality and depression due to the cultural values of being the breadwinners of their families. • The stress to support their families in addition to other stressors such as experiencing racism, expectations based on their gender, physical strains due to work could ultimately lead to men feeling overwhelmed, burnout, and experiencing symptoms of depression. Undocumented Latino Youth & Immigration Trauma Policy Recommendations Findings • Undocumented Latino youth who experiences traumatic events in their home countries had higher levels of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder due to the journey of immigration and acculturation. • Where two-third of youth out of a 104-youth study (69.3%) that was surveyed had experienced at least one traumatic event that deeply influenced the mental health of the youth (Cleary, 2018). • As of 2022, there are no healthcare policies within federal or state levels that include undocumented immigrants within their framework. • “Undocumented immigrants are explicitly excluded from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) health insurance exchanges, cost-sharing reductions, health insurance mandate, tax credits, and the expansion of Medicaid’s traditional provisions.” (Ortega, 2018). • Undocumented Youth who are DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ) recipients reported “Majority reported not being offered coverage. As they are disqualified for coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA)” (Siemons, 2017). • Improvements and revisions to the policies around government healthcare programs such as Medicaid, Medicare & Affordable Care Act to be inclusive of the entire popul