Westchester Podcast Spotlights Mental Health Crisis Among Asian American Youth

Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) is shedding light on the often-overlooked mental health struggles of Asian youth in Westchester County, N.Y., in a new episode of its “Ground Truthing” podcast.

Titled “Voices Unheard: Addressing Mental Health in the Asian Community,” the episode brings together policymakers, mental health experts, and advocates to discuss the unique challenges faced by the local Asian population and the resources available to support them.

The discussion features WCA Board President Ann Umemoto, Westchester County Legislators David Imamura and Jewel Williams Johnson, and Dr. Teresa Hsu, clinical psychologist and founder of SPEAK, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing mental health in the Asian American community. Hosted by Limarie Cabrera, WCA’s Director of Data, Operations, and Finance, the episode covers key issues such as cultural stigma, barriers to seeking help, and the broader implications for public health.

“Addressing mental health within the Asian community requires courage, understanding, and above all, a voice,” Umemoto said. “Through this podcast, we aim to shine a light on silent struggles and empower our community to seek help and offer support. It’s time to change the narrative and provide a platform for those who feel unheard.”

The episode highlights troubling statistics, including a CDC report identifying suicide as the leading cause of death among Asians ages 15 to 24. It also introduces WCA’s Mental Health Fact Sheet, which compares the mental health status of Asian American children with their peers. Personal stories from community leaders provide further insight into the stigma surrounding mental health and the importance of fostering open conversations.

With Westchester’s Asian American population now exceeding 80,000, advocates say more must be done to provide culturally competent mental health support. The podcast offers practical steps for individuals and organizations to help break down barriers and create a more supportive environment.

Listeners can tune in to the episode and explore available mental health resources at WCA’s website.