DeKALB | Fewer than one in 11 Latinos with a mental disorder contacts a mental health specialist, according to statistics compiled by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

The National Alliance for Hispanic Health, however, has identified Latinos as a high risk group for depression.

One main goal of the Latino Resource Center and the Counseling and Student Development Center is to assist NIU’s 1,673 Latino students within the community.

“The Latino Resource Center is aware of services available for students and our goal is to refer students to the office on campus that can better serve the needs of our students,” said Susana Das Neves, assistant director of the Latino Resource Center.

In addition, the LRC staff has met with representatives from the Counseling and Student Development Center to receive information on how to recognize signs and symptoms of depression. The center sponsors workshops and programs throughout the semester to address many topics, depression included.

“There are lots of barriers to seeking out mental health services, including just being uncomfortable coming, [and] not really being certain that it is depression,” said Elizabeth Garcia, counselor with the Counseling and Student Development Center.

One problem related to Latinos seeking out treatment is that there is a stigma within the culture regarding depression.

“In the Latino community, depression is not seen as a real illness,” said Maria Heim, public relations coordinator for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

The center has walk-in hours from 10 to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, in the Campus Life Building, Room 200. Walk-in appointments last for about 30 minutes.