Asian American and Pacific Islander teens are often overlooked by mental health services due to the model minority myth. Even when AAPI students may look like they are “doing well”, they can mask underlying issues of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. In fact, we know that there has been a recent increase in mental health needs in this population due to factors like the isolation caused by the Covid-19, rise in AAPI discrimination and hate and the continued lack of access to mental health services. Special focus needs to be given to AAPI and AAPI LGBTQ youth’s mental health outcomes and suicide risk. Secondary schools, CBOs, and colleges need to look at the compelling data then create and develop actionable plans to better support the mental health of AAPI students.
Resources to support AAPI Students
AAPI Not a Monolith (“Model Minority Myth”)
- NPR 2021: 6 Charts That Dismantle The Trope Of Asian Americans As A Model Minority
- Obama National Archive: Critical Issues Facing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
- USC Student Voice: Debunking the Model Minority Myth
- Video: Breaking Down the Model Minority Myth
AAPI Adolescent Mental Health Stats (pre-Covid)
- Model Minority at Risk 2009
- CDC Suicide Rates 1999 & 2014
- Asian American LGBTQ Mental Health
- Trapped and Suffering — Inside the Asian American Mental Health Crisis
AAPI Adolescent Mental Health Stats (during and after Covid)
AAPI Adolescent Stressors: Mental Health stigma, Less likely to be referred and get help, cultural barriers, relentless striving
- Model Minority at Risk 2009
- 2019: Office of Minority Health
- Factors Associated with Mental Health Help-Seeking
- Psychology Today 2022
AAPI Adolescent Stressors: Discrimination, Increase in Asian hate
- Anti-AAAPI Racism 2021
- Breaking the Silence
- Covid and Racial Trauma Stress 2022
- AAPI LGBTQ+ Mental Health Challenges
- Civil Rights Report 2023
Contact Information
Li Hsiang (Lisa) Chung, M.A. Ed
College & Career Specialist/Counselor, La Canada High School, l.chung@lcusd.net
Christine Loo, M.S.W
Co-Director of College Counseling, The Stony Brook School, NACAC Board of Directors, christine.loo@sbs.org
Kimberly Tsai Cawkwell, M.Ed
Director of Programs, Challenge Success, kcawkwell@challengesuccess.org
