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This article examines the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health struggles among Asian Americans and proposes ways a local church can help reduce this stigma. Two dimensions of the Asian American experience are discussed in view of the relevance to receive mental health help: the collectivistic identity and the stereotype of the model minority. After that, we examine how the message of the New Testament, especially the Gospels and Acts, addresses the fear of stigma among Asian Americans. Finally, we propose some ways a local church can foster a safe environment for Asian Americans to receive help for their mental health struggles.
Despite the attention given to mental health in American media, Asian Americans1 report a lower rate of seeking help than other Americans. Multiple studies have demonstrated underutilization (Cheung & Snowden, 1990; Leong et al., 1995; Leong & Lau, 200) with one stating that Asian Americans are "three times less likely" than European Americans to use mental health services (Matsuoka et al., 1997, p. 141). A 2007 study revealed that only 17% of Asian Americans who probably have a mental disorder, meeting the criteria for such a diagnosis according to the DSM-IV, are actually seeking help (Abe-Kim et al., 2007).
This article will highlight the stigma experienced by Asian Americans associated with receiving help for mental health issues, examining two related dynamics: the collectivistic identity and the model minority experience. Then, we will examine how the New Testament addresses this stigma, especially from the Gospels and Acts. Finally, we will propose several ways a local church can foster an environment for Asian Americans to seek support within the church community more readily.
Prudence is paramount in the application of these principles. This paper will inevitably make generalizations about the experience of Asian Americans that may not be true for all. Second, there are many variables involved, such as the rate of acculturation (Abe-Kim et al., 2007), the availability of adequate mental health services, and the dynamics of each local church.
The Asian American Experience and Mental Health
There are many reasons an Asian American would be reluctant to seek counseling. For example, some have experienced discrimination (Spencer et al., 2010; Yeh et al., 2004), limited access to appropriate care (Abe-Kim et...