Latinx, Acculturation & Rural United States: Ethical Considerations
(3 Ethics CEUs)
Course Description:
The U.S. Census continues to project an increasing diverse population over the next several decades. By 2045, we will be a majority pluralistic nation. The fastest growing groups are Two or More Races, followed by Asians and Hispanics. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). Latinx/Hispanics are the second largest group in the U.S. and the ethnic minority group most responsible for the U.S.’s rural diversification (Figueroa et al., 2021; Johnson & Lichter, 2022; Melotte, 2022; Moyce et al., 2022; U.S. Census, 2020).
Due to social, economic, and environmental disadvantage, Latinx/Hispanics residing in rural areas experience significant health disparities (Figueroa et al, 2021; Probst & Ajmal, 2019). Therefore, there is an increasing need for therapists to become culturally sensitive and competent to work with a diverse population. In this workshop, the APA Multicultural Guidelines from 2002, 2017 and 2019 will be examined and compared. We will identify characteristics associated with becoming multiculturally competent when working with Latinxs (Sue & Sue, 2019).
Three acculturation models will be discussed with some case examples and ethical considerations. We will describe Latinxs values and their impact on the process and delivery of mental health services. Latinx may come from different backgrounds and, therefore, there is diversity within diversity. Finally, cultural humility will be described. Multicultural competence is a continuum process requiring self-introspection and feedback from others (Kaslow, 2020, May 9). Recommendations are made for embarking the road to become multiculturally competent when delivering services to Latinxs.
Objectives:
- Participants will identify two general principles and three standards of the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, and how they apply to the sociopolitical reality of Latinxs.
- Participants will be able to identify differences between the APA multicultural guidelines from 2003, 2017 and 2019.
- Participants will be able to describe three Latinxs values impacting the process and delivery of mental health services.
- Participants will be able to describe three stigmas that have been associated with seeking psychological services among Latinx.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Mayra Zoe Ortiz is a clinical psychologist who has been delivering psychological services for 19+ years. She has worked with diverse populations including children, adolescents, adults and older adults in NY, CT and GA. Dr. Ortiz previously owned two small private practices in NY and has worked extensively with the Latinxs population. She is currently the Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee, APA Division 31, and 2023 President-Elect for Division 31. She is the Co-Chair of the EDI Network sponsored by CESPPA and Division 31. In addition, Dr. Ortiz was the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in a private sector hospitality company where she created a 12-month diversity program for executives and managers.
