This study explored empirically the influence of acculturation (Hispanics' acquisition of behavioral patterns of the North American culture) on help seeking (coping) when a stressful event is experienced. It has been proposed that mental health services in the United States are highly reflective of Anglo American cultural values and thus culturally irrelevant to Hispanics. Hispanic heads of households (N=248) were interviewed by telephone. Experience with stressful life events and strategies used to cope with them were assessed, as well as demographic information, types of problems any family member may have experienced during the last year, whether assistance was sought and from whom, and the degree of satisfaction with the help. The experience of at least one problem was reported by 196, or 79%, of the respondents. Only 47 or 24% reported receiving assistance by someone else. Contrary to expectations, only 15% reported receiving help from a relative while 38% saw a mental health professional. Likewise only 19% reported seeing a non-professional human service provider such as a priest or folk healer. Physicians were the source of help sought by 51% of respondents. There was not a significant difference in the percentage of those with high acculturation and low acculturation in experiencing problems. The low and high acculturation groups did not differ significantly in the frequency of use of any of the sources of help. (ABL)