A positive self image is necessary for good mental health, yet societal influences have a negative impact on the self esteem of Hispanic people living in the United States. Hispanics are caught between the cultural poles of the values of the Hispanic community and the demand for acculturation into the dominant society. Adverse influences on Hispanic mental health come from societal service structures as well as societal pressures to conform and adapt. Problems have been reported on Hispanic interaction with Anglos in Anglo-dominated social services. As a result, Hispanic communities have tended to develop their own informal network of social services rather than use existing programs. Cultural differences between patients and mental health service workers can affect both the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. The structure of mental health service programs, as well as personal climate, human warmth, and interest, should be considered in the development of such programs. Pressures and influences which have worked against the realization of Hispanic potential need to be corrected. An important step will be educating Hispanics for professional careers so they can meet the needs of the ethnic community and serve the needs of the whole society. (MK)