Abstract
This thesis explores the underutilization of mental health services among Hmong Americans, focusing on cultural stigma, spiritual beliefs, language barriers, and generational differences. The problem lies in the disconnect between traditional Hmong understandings of mental illness and Western models of care, leading to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and limited-service engagement. Using survey data and a literature review, the study identifies how beliefs in soul loss, ancestral disturbance, and somatic expressions of distress shape mental health perceptions. The conclusions highlight the need for culturally responsive approaches that integrate traditional healing with modern care, expand bilingual services, and promote mental health education within the community.