School Psychology Program (MA/CAGS)

Specialty in Latino Mental Health

Lucero Latino Mental Health Training Program

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MSPP students have a unique opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to become culturally and linguistically competent mental health service providers for Spanish speaking children and families.  The shortage of professionals, Latino and non-Latino, who are capable of serving Latino populations is already critical and is expected to increase in the coming years.

An Intermediate level of Spanish language fluency is a prerequisite. School Psychology Program students in the Latino Mental Health Program complete the coursework and summer immersion described below, in addition to the MSPP core curriculum for M.A./CAGS (i.e., specialist) level training in school psychology.  In addition, they are involved in learning experiences through which they expand their knowledge of Latino cultures, and demonstrate or further develop Spanish language fluency.

Program Highlights

• Intensive Spanish language training in a Spanish-speaking country during two consecutive summers, each involving a six-week full-immersion experience. We invite you to read our student blog to learn about our summer Spanish immersion program in Costa Rica and Ecuador.
• Opportunity for Latino students to expand their cultural training in a Spanish-speaking country different from their own cultural heritage.
• Extensive clinical training in field placements serving Latino patients to enhance the students’ sensitivity to the specific mental health needs of Latinos.
• Clinical Seminar conducted in Spanish to increase fluency and introduce the metaphors and language of psychotherapy with Spanish-speakers.
• A core course: “Latino Mental Health in the U.S. Social Context,” and several advanced electives.
• Elective Conversational Spanish groups & cultural events.
• Participation across MSPP programs of Study.

Latino Mental Health Concentration Courses

• Diversity and Cross-Cultural Psychology (program requirement)
• Latino Mental Health in the U.S. Social Context—Part I
• Latino Mental Health in the U.S. Social Context—Part II
• Clinical Seminar in Spanish
• Special Topics in Latino Mental Health (Elective)
• Conversational Spanish I (no-credit, no cost)
• Conversational Spanish II (no-credit, no cost)
• Conversational Spanish III (no-credit, no cost)
• Conversational Spanish IV (no-credit, no cost)

Summer Immersion Program

• Spanish Summer Immersion Program I (6 weeks between 1st and 2nd year)
• Spanish Summer Immersion Program II (6 weeks between 2nd and 3rd year; different country from year 1)

In addition to providing special training for students who opt to follow this course, the Latino Mental Health Program infuses the entire MSPP learning community with training opportunities and sensitivity to cultural competency and sensitivity issues.

Updated 7/23/08