The study’s aim was to evaluate the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) within a sample of Asian American respondents, the relationship of ACEs and psychological distress with help-seeking, and the association of ACEs with different types of help-seeking behaviors. Data from the 2021 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) were analyzed. Pairwise comparisons examined differences in ACEs and covariates across the seven Asian American subgroups (Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, South Asian, and Other Asian American). The joint effect between ACEs and Asian American subgroup was evaluated for each type of mental health help-seeking. Covariates included psychological distress, gender, age, marital status, insurance, education, English proficiency, self-rated health, and being U.S.-born. 

Findings: Asian American adults with 4 + ACEs were more likely to seek mental health help from primary care practitioners, mental health professionals, and social media/blogs/online forums than respondents with ≤ 3 ACEs. Moderate/severe psychological distress increased likelihood to seek mental health help. No significant interaction between ACEs and Asian American subgroup was found. Findings indicate that Asian American respondents with elevated ACEs and distress are more likely to seek mental health help from professional and emerging digital resources.