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12: Practice With Hispanic Individuals and Families

DOI:

10.1891/9780826154156.0012

Authors

  • González, Manny John
  • Acevedo, Gregory

Abstract

Informed by the tenets of the ecological perspective and the life model of social work practice, this chapter presents an overview of clinical practice with Hispanic families. The ecological perspective helps to promote clinicians’ understanding of the psychosocial problems experienced by culturally diverse client populations as well as the socio-environmental variables (e.g., racism, discrimination, poverty) that impede optimal physical, psychological, and social well-being. Because the process of individual or family treatment cannot separate personality structures and issues from the cultural factors that influence the emotional health of the individual, the chapter also underscores the key cultural characteristics of Hispanic individuals and families and their relevance for culturally competent clinical practice. It emphasizes treatment recommendations and strategies for effective psychosocial intervention with Hispanic families.