Help seeking and satisfaction among Latinas: The roles of setting, ethnic identity, and therapeutic alliance

Abstract

Abstract This study explored help seeking among primary Spanish speaking women of Hispanic origin who had behavioral health needs. We evaluated relational and cultural aspects of care and service utilization by using qualitative and quantitative measures of perceived behavioral health needs, therapeutic relationships, ethnic identity and degree of acculturation, and satisfaction with services among 103 women. We explored the nature of the therapeutic relationship and satisfaction with services among Latinas who received behavioral health services at: (1) a community behavioral health center, (2) a community health center, and (3) a faith‐based agency. Overall, results demonstrated that participants had strong therapeutic alliances and were satisfied with services at the three different treatment sites. Differences noted, including clinical and research implications, are also described. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 33: 299–312, 2005.