Latino cultural competency in the mental health field

Project (M.S.W., Social Work)--California State University, Sacramento, 2013.This study interviewed mental health professionals to gain insight into their perspectives of Latino cultural competency and cultural factors that limit accessing mental health services by this underserved population. A qualitative methodology was used to explore, from mental health professionals??? perceptions, the effect cultural issues have in the utilization of mental health treatment among Latinos. Ten participants were interviewed to get an understanding of what barriers Latinos face in utilizing mental health services. Themes that emerged from the interviews included: the importance of education in regard to cultural awareness and acculturation; methods Latinos utilize to manage mental health issues such as substance abuse and family privacy; and cultural competency. Further research with a significantly larger group of participants is essential to improve the level of culturally competent services provided to the Latino population.Social Wor