Stigma and Barriers in South Asian Mental Health and Addictions: Practice-Based Reflections from a Community Pilot Project

Abstract

Culturally responsive addictions and mental health services are essential for addressing inequities in access among immigrant and racialized populations. This paper presents a practice-based, reflexive analysis of the South Asian Network (SAN), a community-based pilot program developed to address stigma, language barriers, and challenges in accessing care within South Asian communities in Edmonton. Despite culturally tailored service delivery, engagement was inconsistent, with frequent cancellations and limited sustained participation, and the program was ultimately discontinued due to funding constraints. Using professional reflexivity, the analysis explores how stigma, family dynamics, and trust in formal systems influence engagement beyond initial access. Findings highlight tensions between equity-oriented practice and evaluation frameworks prioritizing short-term quantitative outcomes, emphasizing the need for sustained and community-informed approaches to support culturally responsive care.