title: A Mexico City-based immersion education program: training mental health clinicians for practice with Latino communities.
abstract: This article describes the philosophical foundations and educational methods of a Spanish language and cultural immersion program based in Mexico City, Mexico. The program is designed to assist U.S. graduate students in marriage and family therapy and clinical psychology programs to improve clinical service delivery with Latino clients. Utilizing critical pedagogy, the program works with future clinicians to develop multicultural and international competencies; acquire increased Spanish language skills; engage in self-of-the-therapist work; and expand their understanding of the historical and cultural influences shaping the mental healthcare needs of Latin American clients. A report of the themes from postimmersion surveys is provided and the implications for training are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Alliant International University, Mexico City, Mexico. jplatt@alliant.edu
authors.forename: Jason James
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Platt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003469:Culture; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D007802:Language; D008603:Mental Health / Q000193:education*; D008800:Mexico; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods