Latino youth are struggling—higher rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma hit hard, but care often stays out of reach. Cristy Reinoso, a bilingual clinical social worker and therapist, isn’t just pointing out the problem; she’s solving it. “There are so few Spanish-speaking therapists who can relate to their clients’ experiences,” she says. With telehealth trending in 2025 and families hungry for care that fits, Reinoso shares practical ways to make mental health real for Latino homes—straight from her years of experience.
She starts by breaking the silence. “Some families hear therapy’s ‘only for crazy people’ or a sign of weakness,” Reinoso explains, her tone gentle but firm. Her fix is simple: “Ask, ‘¿Cómo te sientes?’—How do you feel? It opens the door.” She’s seen it work—parents asking that question can turn a teen’s quiet stress into a family talk. “Cultural stigma stops us cold,” she adds, “but we can change that together.” It’s not fancy; it’s real, and it’s how she’s helping families take that first step.
Spotting trouble early is just as key. “Latino kids often keep struggles inside—they don’t want to worry anyone,” Reinoso says, her empathy clear. She tells parents to watch for changes: “Maybe they’re pulling away, sleeping odd hours, skipping school or dropping things they love.” She knows these signs hide in plain sight in tight-knit homes, where kids feel pressure to stay strong. “Try saying, ‘I’ve noticed you’re quieter—want to talk?’” she suggests. It’s a tip born from counseling countless Spanish-speaking teens, and it works because it’s kind, not pushy.
Then there’s telehealth, a lifeline she’s all in for. “It’s connecting families to care when bilingual therapists are hard to find,” Reinoso says, nodding to 2025’s digital surge. Reports peg a nationwide therapist shortage at 30%, and it’s worse for Latinos.
Cristy Reinoso
Reinoso’s been at this a long time, helping Spanish-speaking families past stigma and scarcity. “The system’s slow, but we can’t wait,” she insists, her urgency palpable. She sees bilingual therapy growing as more people wake up to the need—think about this year’s equity campaigns. “Normalize it, watch for signs, use tech—that’s how we start,” she says. It’s not just advice; it’s a promise from someone who’s lived these challenges with her clients. For Reinoso, mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s a right, and she’s making it happen, one caring word at a time.
