This study examines the extent to which stigma-related concerns about mental health care account for the underuse of mental health services among low-income immigrant and U.S.-born black and Latina women. Participants included 15,383 low-income women screened for depression in county entitlement services who were asked about barriers to care, stigma-related concerns and whether they wanted or were getting mental health care. Stigma-related concerns are most common among immigrant women and may partly account for underutilization of mental health care services by disadvantaged women from ethnic minority groups.

The study found that stigma-related concerns are most common among immigrant women and may partly account for underutilization of mental health care services by disadvantaged women from ethnic minority groups.