Multicultural Statistics Poverty leads to poor mental health, hunger, malnutrition and physical illness; in the United States, 15% live below the poverty line set by the federal government (Santiago, Kaltman, & Miranda, 2013). “Poverty rates are highest among ethnic minority adults and families, with 27.4% of African Americans, 26.6% of Hispanics/Latinos, 27.0% of American Indians/Native Americans “Alaska has 12.1% of Asians living in poverty compared to 9.9% of non-Hispanic whites” (Santiago et al., 2013, p. 115). This population experiences greater episodes of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), linked to poor living conditions and exposure to violence in neighborhoods and in their homes (Santiago et al., 2013). Psychological impact Stressful negative events are constant in the lives of families in poverty, which can lead to mental health problems. These stressors include family conflict, exposure to traumatic events, violence and financial instability, frequent transitions to new places to call home, and discrimination (Santiago et al., 2013). Children living in poverty are at greater risk of antisocial behaviors that include aggression, substance abuse and academic failure. The strained existence of those living in poverty causes the emotional internalization of negative events leading to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder; Typically, aggressive behavior is the external manifestation of these harmful life events (Santiago et al., 2013). Mental illnesses related to low socioeconomic status (SES) lead to interference with educational activities and job search; thus trapping the family in a cycle of poverty. Barriers to accessing a quality mental health car...... middle of paper...... the valley: St. louis Missouri. Boulder, Colorado: Pruett Publishing Company.Santiago, C. D., Kaltman, S., & Miranda, J. (2013). Poverty and mental health: How low-income adults and children fare in psychotherapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session, 69, 115-126. doi:10.1002/jclp.21951Authorities of the United States of America. (1904). Official guide to the louisiana shopping show at the city of st. louis, state of Missouri, April 30 to December 1, 1904. Retrieved from http://books.google.com/books?id=htJNAAAAMAAJ&lpg=PA3&ots= 1kaTozn3Sh&dq=%22Official%20guide%20to%20the%20Louisiana%20Purchase%20Exposition %20at%20the%20city%20of%20St.%20Louis%20%22&pg=PA197#v=onepage&q&f=falseU.S. Census Bureau. (2013). Social, Economic and Housing Statistics Division: Poverty. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/methods/definitions.html