Abstract
The overall goal of this assessment was to verify the mental health needs of Hmong living in a mid-west community in order
clarify the format, content, and feasibility of providing mental health services for Hmong in the future. Using a Community-Based
Participatory Research (CBPR) model, we held four focus groups with 36 men, women, adolescents and professionals, all of Hmong
descent, as well as interviewed 28 individual medical, mental health, education, and social service providers in the Eau Claire
community. Our Hmong sample was frequently unclear about what “mental” health meant, indicating a low level of mental health
literacy. Results confirmed that there are significant mental health needs in this refugee and immigrant population. Participants
described problems consistent with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders,
and severe social stress and acculturation difficulties in every generation. Elder people and male adolescents were described
as the most disaffected and in need of immediate services. It will be critical to address mental health literacy before designing
future interventions. Treatment suggestions were provided with the intention of removing barriers and incorporating culturally
sensitive methodologies, while continuing to work closely with our local mental health providers and Hmong leadership.
clarify the format, content, and feasibility of providing mental health services for Hmong in the future. Using a Community-Based
Participatory Research (CBPR) model, we held four focus groups with 36 men, women, adolescents and professionals, all of Hmong
descent, as well as interviewed 28 individual medical, mental health, education, and social service providers in the Eau Claire
community. Our Hmong sample was frequently unclear about what “mental” health meant, indicating a low level of mental health
literacy. Results confirmed that there are significant mental health needs in this refugee and immigrant population. Participants
described problems consistent with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders,
and severe social stress and acculturation difficulties in every generation. Elder people and male adolescents were described
as the most disaffected and in need of immediate services. It will be critical to address mental health literacy before designing
future interventions. Treatment suggestions were provided with the intention of removing barriers and incorporating culturally
sensitive methodologies, while continuing to work closely with our local mental health providers and Hmong leadership.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s10464-011-9436-z
- Authors
- Ann Futterman Collier, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, UWEC, 105 Garfield Avenue, PO Box 4004, Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004, USA
- Martha Munger, Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, Eau Claire, USA
- Yong Kay Moua, Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, Eau Claire, USA
- Journal American Journal of Community Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2770
- Print ISSN 0091-0562