Working with Latino immigrant families with adolescents: A clinician guide

The Latino population accounted for more than half of the growth within the total population in the United States between 2000 and 2010 (Ennis, Ríos-Vargas, & Albert, 2011). The Latino population increased by 15.2 million in the year 2000 to 27.3 million in 2010 in the United States. This growth in population implies that in comparison to the past, there are currently many more Latino children and adolescents within the United States. All families and individuals within the families experience the migration and acculturation process differently. Szapocznik and Kurtines (1993) believe that cultural differences between parent and child are an additional source of stress and tension, especially when children are transitioning into adolescence.;A clinician guide was developed in order to explore special issues for Latino adolescents surrounding the immigration process, Latino culture and family, and assimilation/acculturation process within therapy. A decision tree was also developed to aid clinicians in a careful assessment about the migration and acculturation process. Sample vignettes addressed some common clinical scenarios and handouts for parents, teachers, and adolescents. A list of assessments for acculturation and existing therapeutic models for Latino immigrant families with adolescents was also included.