Factors Associated with Mental Health Referrals among Asian American Youth in a School-based Population

Extant literature suggests that minority youth face unmet mental health needs, possibly due to the under-identification of those in need of services. The current study aimed to identify factors which could predict mental health referrals among Asian American students in a school-based population. Self-reported mental health symptoms, demographic variables and level of acculturation were explored in relation to subsequent referrals made by school personnel. An archival database of approximately 553 convenience-sampled Asian American students was utilized for a non-experimental analysis. Students with externalizing symptoms were significantly more likely than students with internalizing symptoms to be referred for mental health services (Fisher's Exact Test, p = .003). While 100% of students with externalizing symptoms received mental health referrals, 97% of the students who reported internalizing symptoms were not referred. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.