Considerations for working with Asian Americans across the psychosis spectrum following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

With the rise of anti-Asian racism and discrimination that followed the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to improve Asian Americans' (AA) connection to and experiences with clinical care is critical. AA at risk for or experiencing psychosis represent a particularly vulnerable subset of a population that already exhibits low service utilization and a multitude of barriers to mental health care treatment. Considering that victimization and discrimination were well-documented factors that exacerbate psychotic symptoms prepandemic, preparing clinicians to adequately support this already hard-to-reach population warrants special attention. In this article, we argue for the importance of addressing the unique needs of this population in an acute time of need. We outline three main considerations for working with AA across the psychosis spectrum, including actionable steps clinicians can implement related to (a) the variability in AA identities, (b) the relationship between victimization and psychosis, and (c) improving access to culturally sensitive mental health care treatment. By considering the diverse needs of AA at risk for or living with psychosis, clinicians across professional levels and contexts can better serve this vulnerable population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).