LATINX COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS' EXPERIENCES IN NAVIGATING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to understand experiences of first-generation, Latinx community college students in access to and use of mental health services. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 first-generation, Latinx students at a southern California community college. Thematic analysis identified themes of Access, Connection, and Resilience that highlighted participants’ experiences. Findings emphasized (a) the importance of students’ sense of belonging and faculty and staff validation in decisions to use campus mental health services and (b) the value of connecting with culturally competent mental health professionals who related to participants’ cultural experiences. Lack of cultural awareness and dissatisfaction with services led participants to disengage from mental health services and instead pursue support from peers and special programs at the college. Stigma, generational trauma, and convenience were identified as concepts that motivated participants to seek mental health services. Recommendations include implementing cultural competence training for professionals, providing ongoing, comprehensive programming for students, enhancing marketing and outreach efforts, and increasing accessibility and evaluation of mental health services.