As clinicians, we must use clinical approaches that are compatible with our clients’ cultural values and beliefs. In this training, we will focus on best practices for working with Latino communities, a client population that continues to grow, yet is often underserved. You will learn about the diverse needs of Latino populations and how to best serve your Latino clients.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify the unique cultural needs of Latino populations
- Identify therapeutic approaches that are compatible with the Latino community
- Discuss how immigration and acculturalization have impacted the Latino experience
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Understanding the Complexity of Latino Identity
- Acknowledge the size and growth of the Latino population in the U.S.
- Understand diversity within the Latino community by country of origin
- Differentiate between terms like Latino, Hispanic, and Chicano
- Recognize the impact of generalizations and stereotypes
- Explore how identity varies across geography, language, and generational status
Objective #2: Cultural Factors Affecting Latino Mental Health
- Examine the central role of religion, particularly Catholicism and Pentecostalism
- Explore the influence of folk practices, such as curanderismo and espiritismo
- Understand cultural beliefs in spiritual possession, saints, and supernatural influence
- Identify mental health stigma and its cultural framing as weakness or “being loco”
- Discuss structural barriers to treatment including language, cost, and accessibility
- Recognize the internalized stress from colorism and racism within and outside the community
Objective #3: Immigration, Acculturation, and the Latino Experience
- Explore personal and collective trauma in migration journeys
- Understand the risks and hardship of routes like La Bestia
- Review the significance of DACA and the experiences of Dreamers
- Examine emotional impacts of navigating two cultures and identity formation
- Highlight common challenges in adaptation, family roles, and legal navigation
Objective #4: Highlighting Latino Voices and Experiences
- Center community perspectives through video and lived narratives
- Address misconceptions and microaggressions faced by diverse Latino groups
- Encourage clinicians to practice active listening and cultural humility
- Explore how identity expression and cultural pride influence healing and trust
Additional Resources and Continued Learning
- Review key texts for counselors and therapists working with Latino populations
- Access educational videos and documentaries such as “Which Way Home”
- Promote engagement with culturally responsive frameworks and practices
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: May 6, 2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com