Cultural Considerations for Addressing Mental Health and Racial Discrimination in Latino Children and Youth

Latinx youths are at significant risk for mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and suicide attempts. Latinx youths are also less likely to access culturally responsive mental health services and continue to be undiagnosed or untreated. This can lead to negative outcomes such as negative interactions at school and with authorities, increased disconnection from family and society, and exposure to the criminal justice system. The presenter will discuss factors that affect Hispanic and Latino youth mental health and academic performance, the use of culturally centered interventions in school mental health, and how to engage effectively Hispanic and Latino youth and families in school mental health treatment.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify trends in mental health disorders, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• Discuss culture-specific risk and protective factors associated with mental health.
• ​Discuss cultural elements that inform mental health assessment and treatment for Hispanic/Latino youth.