The census projects that the Asian population in the United States will double over the next 20 years, with much of the growth fueled by immigration and population aging. An empirical understanding of Asian immigrants' mental health needs across the lifespan exists, but the knowledge base is less developed in terms of mental health help-seeking. To prepare for population aging that reflects the diversity among Asian-American groups, this study applies the life course perspective to examine variations in mental health service use by age and Asian ethnic group membership. Using data from the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS), this study applies the life course perspective to investigate how age and ethnicity affect mental health service use among Asian immigrants. The results of a logistic regression analysis showed each age increase for Chinese and Vietnamese was associated with a decrease in the likelihood that they would seek mental health services compared with Other Asians. Implications for mental health service delivery to Asian immigrants as they age and acculturation are discussed. © 2012 American Psychological Association.

Cultural diversity aging Ethnic groups

[No Keywords available]