Most Needed and Underserved in Mental Health Care
Cynthia Barraza Guerra is a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Eagle River, between Elmendorf-Richardson Joint Base and Chugach. Because of the clinic’s location, she sees many military personnel, but also civilians with personality disorders. “The Latino community often faces stress and cultural adjustment. It is underserved.”Cynthia Guerra’s specialty, Psychiatric Nurse practitioner (PMHNP), doesn’t exist in Mexico. She works at Freedom Behavioral Health Solutions. “I manage medications, practice TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), Spravato treatment, therapy, and soon VR/AR (virtual/augmented reality) therapy.”
Cynthia was born in Austin and raised in El Paso, Texas, on the border with Ciudad Juarez (Mexico). “I am a proud Latina with dual citizenship. I have been living in Alaska for over a year to serve those facing mental health issues in this state.” “One challenge is the lack of resources and access to mental health services, especially in rural areas,” she says. “In addition, there is a stigma associated with seeking help, which delays treatment. For the Latino community, the language barrier and lack of professionals who understand cultural particularities are major challenges.” The most common problems are depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia and mood disorders. The Latino community, in addition, faces immigrant stress and cultural adaptation.” “In Alaska, long winters, lack of sunlight and cold temperatures can increase seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other problems,” she says. “Economic hardship and job insecurity increase stress, anxiety and depression. Being an immigrant is a risk factor because of loneliness, isolation and the process of adapting to a new cultural and climatic environment.” For Cynthia, “finding support in Latino community groups and accessing mental health services that understand their cultural context is essential. A common trait in immigrants is a sense of disconnect and, in Alaska in particular, there can be more challenges due to climate and geographic dispersion.” Cynthia says, “It is vital to increase funding and attract bilingual professionals to serve the Latino community and provide culturally sensitive services. More education and awareness programs are needed so that people can access mental health services without fear or cultural barriers.” |