This study examined whether Latino immigrants’ community environment influenced perceptions about the meaning of mental health and accessing mental health services. The two environments analyzed in were an exclusively Latino community (primarily Latino members) and a diverse community (composed of different ethnicities including Latinos). The research method used in this study was a qualitative survey design. A semi-structured interview guideline with questions on the meaning of mental health, mental health services access, and community norms on mental health was utilized with 24 respondents. Responses were then analyzed to find themes. Findings from this study found similarities as well as differences in the two groups in seeking mental health services. Differences were more commonly in the details of the responses rather than in the themes of the responses. The finding will help social workers, who provide a large percentage of mental health services, understand the individual, the barriers, and the importance of social environments in seeking mental health services.

[pt] A proposta desta pesquisa, de caráter qualitativo, consiste em analisar a experiência de famílias com crianças autistas na busca por diagnóstico e tratamento no Rio de Janeiro. O tratamento do autismo, e a possibilidade de um diagnóstico precoce, como se mostra na pesquisa, passaram a ser garantidos em função de dois importantes fatores: (1) a emergência de uma nova concepção de criança como sujeito de direitos, institucionalizada através do Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (1990), e, (2) a criação de uma legislação específica em prol das pessoas com transtornos mentais. Como se procura mostrar na pesquisa, esses fatores contribuíram para que o cuidado com a criança autista deixasse a esfera do simples confinamento e passasse a ser incorporado na esfera dos direitos humanos. Examinam-se, em um momento subsequente da pesquisa, as políticas de saúde mental, mais particularmente as diretrizes específicas para um cuidado da população infantil com autismo. Apesar de importantes avanços jurídicos, a efetiva implementação dos direitos da criança autista ainda constitui um desafio para as suas famílias. Com efeito, como mostra a pesquisa, frequentemente as famílias não são bem sucedidas na tentativa de identificação precoce do autismo. Além disso, elas raramente obtêm encaminhamento para um tratamento gratuito para a criança autista, ou informações precisas sobre os seus direitos sociais. Desta forma, a pesquisa mostra que a família, de fato, continua confrontando uma série de dificuldades que ainda impossibilitam o efetivo atendimento e cuidado da criança autista. / [en] This research aims at qualitative analysis of the experience of families of autistic children in their quest for a diagnosis and treatment in Rio de Janeiro. The treatment of autism, and the possibility of an early diagnosis, as the research shows, have been made legally possible in virtue of two different factors, to wit: (1) the emergence of a new conception of child as a bearer of rights, which was brought about through the Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (Statute of the Child and the Adolescent, 1990), and (2) the passing of a new legislation for people with any form of mental disorder. Both factors have played a major role for the state recognition of children as authentic bearers of human rights, protected against any form of confinement within the walls of mental institutions. This research examines, then, some public policies for mental health, more specifically the official guidelines for the caretaking of autistic children. In spite of some recent advancement in the Brazilian legislation regarding children s care, most families do still have to face many serious hardships in the attempt to implement their social rights. Indeed, as the research shows, most families cannot yet obtain an early diagnosis of autism for their children. Moreover, hardly ever are the families in a position to obtain some clear information on the public institutions which are able to provide professional support, free treatment, and legal advice. Thus, the research shows the extent to which families still have to face difficulties which prevent them from obtaining adequate treatment for their children with autism.

Contexte: Les problèmes de santé mentale émergent majoritairement chez les adolescents et jeunes adultes. Les jeunes en situation d’itinérance (JSI) ont d’importants besoins non-comblés en lien avec leur santé mentale et ce possiblement davantage pour les jeunes de minorités linguistiques (JML). Objectifs: Décrire les facteurs associés aux expériences d’accès aux services de santé mentale chez les JSI, en comparant les expériences des jeunes de majorité linguistique (francophones) aux JML (anglophones et allophones). Méthodes: 22 jeunes de 18 à 25 ans ont participé à la cartographie communautaire, méthode de recherche qualitative utilisant les arts, où les participants ont créé leurs cartes des ressources d’aide en santé mentale. Des groupes de discussion ont permis aux jeunes d’exprimer leurs perceptions de l’accès et des services. Les résultats sont générés par une analyse thématique. Résultats: Les facteurs liés aux expériences d’accès aux services se regroupent en deux catégories: (1) des soins adaptés à l’individu, et (2) la disponibilité et la structure des services. Les JSI veulent des services adaptés aux besoins spécifiques des JSI et des minorités (incluant les JML), avec une approche centrée sur les besoins de l’individu. Les JML identifient moins de diversité de services et se tournent vers des stratégies alternatives de soins ou des services itinérance adulte. Conclusion: Des services co-localisés et intégrés, répondant aux besoins de base et de santé mentale, permettraient de diminuer les obstacles à l’accès aux soins pour les JSI. Une attention particulière aux JML est nécessaire puisqu’ils rencontrent davantage d’obstacles que leurs pairs JSI. / Background: Most mental illnesses begin in youth. The homeless youth population reports a high level of unmet mental health needs; a situation which is possibly worse for linguistic minority homeless youths. Objectives: To describe the factors associated with homeless youths’ experiences of accessing mental health services and to highlight differences in such experiences between linguistic majority (Francophones) and linguistic minority (Anglophones and Allophones) groups. Methods: 22 youths between 18 to 25 years old participated in community mapping, an arts-based qualitative research method in which participants draw maps of resources they use to receive help with their mental health. Discussion groups enabled youths to express their emotions and perceptions towards access and services. Thematic analysis was user on verbal and visual data. Results: Factors associated with of access to mental health services were grouped into two categories: (1) care adapted at the individual level, and (2) availability and structure of services. Homeless youths need services that are adapted to the specific needs of homeless youths and minorities (including linguistic minorities), with an approach to care centered on an individual’s needs. Linguistic minority homeless youths identify less diversity in services and often turn to informal mental health strategies or to adult-oriented homeless services. Conclusion: Services that are co-located and integrated with mental health and basic needs services help bypass a lot of identified barriers to care for homeless youths. Particular attention needs to be paid to linguistic minority homeless youths as they experience more barriers than their counterparts.