""But you can hire an interpreter," Pathomrit told them. "She is ready. Do you know how hard it is to get someone who's ready to quit?" Despite Southern California having the world's largest Thai population outside Thailand, Thai Angelenos face stigma, language barriers and limited resources when accessing mental healthcare. Thai Town's temples and resource centers aim to support the community, but few Thai-speaking mental healthcare workers lead to long waits for substance abuse treatment centers, housing support and social work resources."
"They decided to wait for a Thai interpreter. But as the delay grew, Pranom fell deeper into despair. Pathomrit said she recalls Pranom sharing how she wanted to be a good mother and make ends meet, but felt ashamed for needing drugs. Pathomrit tried encouraging Pranom to follow up with the treatment center, but Pranom stopped picking up the phone."
Pranom, a Thai-speaking survivor of human trafficking, used meth, did sex work, and cared for an adult son with special needs while waiting months for substance abuse treatment. A treatment center refused immediate intake because no staff spoke Thai, so staff decided to wait for an interpreter and Pranom stopped answering calls. Thai Angelenos face stigma, language barriers, and limited culturally competent mental health resources despite a large local population. Thai Town temples and resource centers offer support, but few Thai-speaking mental healthcare workers cause long waits for treatment, housing, and social services. A Thai-staffed program later admitted Pranom, and she completed eight months of residential care.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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