This article addresses the various perceptions people from other cultures have regarding mental health and mental illness and the unique coping mechanisms they use based on their cultural beliefs and values. The various barriers to receiving mental health services and the reasons for such barriers are also discussed. In addition, the article stresses the importance of using and implementing culturally appropriate and sensitive assessments and therapeutic interventions. © 2011 SAGE Publications.

Barriers mental health perceptions immigrants culturally appropriate interventions Coping mechanisms Mental illness Symptoms Mental health

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