Limited English proficiency (LEP) may contribute to mental health care disparities, yet empirical data are limited. Authors quantify the language barriers to mental health care by race/ethnicity using a direct measure of LEP.

This study uses 2001 California Health Interview Survey data. Adults aged 18 to 64 who provided language data (n=41,984) were the participants of the study. Participants were categorized into three groups by self-reported English proficiency and language spoken at home: (1) English-speaking only, (2) Bilingual, and (3) Non-English speaking. Mental health treatment was measured by self-reported use of mental health services by those reporting a mental health need.

Findings: Non-English speaking individuals had lower odds of receiving needed services  than those who only spoke English, when other factors were controlled. The relationship was even more dramatic within racial/ethnic groups: non-English speaking Asian/PIs and non-English speaking Latinos (OR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.09–0.39) had significantly lower odds of receiving services compared to Asian/PIs and Latinos who spoke only English.

LEP is associated with lower use of mental health care. Since LEP is concentrated among Asian/PIs and Latinos, it appears to contribute to racial/ethnic disparities in mental health care. Heightened attention to LEP is warranted in both mental health practice and policy.