In this exploratory research study an ethnographic and survey approach was used to examine help seeking behavior in a Latino community. The emphasis of the study was on the identification of those existing functional social networks which are most accessible, preferred, and used by this group during times of emotional or social stress. Information is presented which describes the extent, structure, and use of informal and formal helping systems. Ethnicity and cultural association and preference effects are explored. Help seeking is examined in terms of three questions: (1) Is ethnicity related more strongly to some aspects of help seeking than others? (2) Do demographic variables affect the relationship between ethnicity and help seeking behavior? and (3) Do social contextual variables influence the relationship between ethnicity and help seeking behavior? Ethnicity is measured using an Index of Ethnic Identification. Informal helping systems provided twice as much help as did formal systems. Overall, it was found that relatives, friends, and spouses were preferred informal helpers, while doctors, and priests were preferred formal helpers. (Author/AM)