Sociocultural influences on mental health service use by Latino older adults for emotional distress: Exploring the mediating and moderating role of informal social support

► The study, comprised of Latino older adults in Los Angeles County, addresses the gap in research on the mechanisms to care for this population. ► Findings highlight the relevance of linguistic acculturation in accessing support, risk factors for isolation, and meeting mental health needs. ► Reveals the dynamic impact of social support on older Latinos' decisions to access formal services in managing emotional distress. ► Presents a conceptual framework for the functional role of support and linguistic acculturation in service use by older Latinos.