The Catalina Effect: Tackling Stigma and Fear in Latina Mental Health

Impact of Story-Telling on Mental Health Engagement

Stigma, fear, and lack of knowledge regarding treatment options can create delays for Latina women in accessing needed mental health care. A challenge remains on how to best engage Latina women in mental health. The use of story-based media interventions like Catalina: Confronting My Emotions demonstrates significant potential in addressing mental health disparities among Latina women. Through characters that mirror the lived experiences of the target audience, these interventions lower psychological barriers to care, such as fear, stigma, and mistrust of providers. Patricia D. Suderland et al. interviewed 28 Latina women diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and/or Depression who used the web-based app over two weeks¹. The participants were introduced to the in-app character, Catalina, a Latina woman who suffered from mental illness with whom the participants could relate. Participants in the study recognized themselves in Catalina’s journey from diagnosis to treatment, which facilitated emotional engagement. This engagement proved to be a critical step in reframing their understanding of mental illness and the importance of seeking professional help. Research shows that culturally tailored health communication is more effective in changing attitudes and behaviors in minority populations than generic messaging approaches².

The character Veronica, a compassionate Latina nurse-therapist, provided not only psychoeducation but also modeled therapeutic communication in an accessible way in her interactions with Catalina. Veronica and Catalina's relationship helped participants visualize what a real-life therapeutic relationship could look like. For many, this was a first-time exposure to the idea that therapy could be culturally affirming and emotionally safe. The use of trusted, relatable figures within storylines creates a bridge between knowledge and action, especially for individuals who may hold cultural reservations about mental health treatment. Studies confirm that narrative-based health interventions can improve knowledge, reduce stigma, and increase service utilization among underserved populations³.

Reducing Stigma and Normalizing Therapy Through Storytelling

One of the most notable outcomes of the Catalina app was the reduction in self-reported stigma related to mental health. Latina women in the study expressed that the story format helped them feel "seen" and validated. Catalina’s vulnerability and Veronica’s affirming responses demonstrated that experiencing anxiety or depression is not a sign of personal weakness but rather a manageable health condition. This messaging is critical, as stigma remains a significant barrier to mental health care among Latinx individuals. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Latinx adults are less likely to seek mental health services compared to non-Hispanic whites, often due to cultural stigma and language barriers⁴.

Participants also noted that the app helped them begin conversations with family members and peers about mental health, something they had previously avoided. By normalizing mental health discussions through narrative, the app served as a catalyst for broader community engagement. Similar findings have been reported in other culturally relevant media interventions, where storytelling served to humanize mental illness and encourage collective dialogue⁵. For municipal health departments, this suggests that investing in culturally appropriate storytelling tools can extend beyond individual behavior change and