Social determinants of health and mental health need of undocumented/DACA students

<b>Objective:</b> Immigration status of undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) persists as a risk factor for mental health challenges. Thus, the present study examined whether Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) of financial, housing, and food worries were associated with anxiety and depression, and in turn, the perceived need for mental health help among undocumented/DACA college students. <b>Method:</b> Data were collected from U.S. college institutions participating in the Healthy Minds Study during the 2023 to 2024 academic year. <b>Participants:</b> The sample included 153 undocumented/DACA college students (<i>M</i>age = 24.45; <i>SD</i> = 6.07). <b>Results:</b> The study revealed that financial stress and depressive symptoms were significantly associated with greater perceived need. Additionally, there was a significant indirect effect between financial stress, anxiety, and perceived need. <b>Conclusions:</b> Findings highlight that undocumented/DACA college students who have greater financial stress report more anxiety and, in turn, perceive a greater need for mental health help.