Advanced Topics in Interpersonal Practice

Latinos constitute the largest ethnic minority group in the United States. The United States Latino population is immensely diverse, with members originating from over twenty countries. Latino sub-populations tend to reside in different areas of the United States, have different cultural practices/norms, immigration experiences, and varying levels of economic attainment. These sources of internal variation are important, as they have implications for many social outcomes and social work practice with Latino families. This mini course focuses on the theoretical, empirical and practice literature on Latino families in the United States. The mini course will allow for students to become familiar with demographic trends, health disparities, acculturation and acculturative stress, and the current debates surrounding the immigrant health paradox. Additionally, this mini course will cover key methodological approaches aimed at engaging Latino families in mental health and health care services, as well as barriers and facilitators to mental health and health care utilization. Furthermore, the course focuses on clinical aspects of working with Latino families, including but not limited to, culturally-based assessment, prevention and treatment models. Students in this course will acquire a general understanding of (1) the demographic, social and political background of Latino families in the United States, (2) key theoretical frameworks to consider (e.g., acculturative stress) when working with Latino families, (3) culturally-specific assessment, prevention and treatment approaches for health and well-being, and (3) acquire a general understanding of clinical aspects when working with Latino families in the United States.