Purpose

This research aims to examine the relationship between the cultural competence of mental health professionals and help-seeking behaviors within immigrant populations when dealing with mental health issues. The research explores essential barriers and facilitators to service utilization while presenting frequently used alternative support methods and advocating for the requirement for culturally competent care while catering to the immigrant communities.
Design/methodology/approach

This study takes the form of a narrative review article conducted in accordance with the SANRA guidelines to ensure methodological rigor. A systematic search for peer-reviewed journal articles from 2019 to 2023 across three databases was conducted. A thematic analysis was performed for the ten chosen studies using the framework by Braun and Clarke (2016) to identify recurring and relevant themes.
Findings

Six key themes emerged. The main barriers preventing immigrants from seeking mental health services include financial constraints, language barriers and insufficient knowledge about available services. Cultural beliefs determine how people understand mental health issues and seek professional support. Service utilization remains challenging because of both external social stigma and internalized stigma. Cultural mistrust stemming from discrimination and previous negative encounters acts as an additional barrier to engagement. Immigrants seek informal support systems due to perceived lack of culturally sensitive mental health services. The results highlight the necessity of culturally sensitive mental healthcare.
Research limitations/implications

This study emphasizes the significance of cultural competence training for mental health professionals as well as policy changes. Outreach initiatives that are culturally sensitive can increase immigrant populations’ access to and confidence in mental healthcare systems.
Originality/value

This review synthesizes existing research to provide new insights into the barriers and facilitators of immigrant mental health help-seeking, which can contribute to the development of more inclusive and culturally responsive mental health services.