Luis Añez, PsyD and Michelle Silva, PsyD, presenters

A rapidly growing Latino population challenges the United States mental health system. Despite a high service need, significant disparities in access to care have resulted in patterns of low utilization and frequent dropout. Furthermore, natural ambivalence as individuals access a traditionally underutilized source of support, may further compromise the effective therapeutic engagement of Latinos. This one day program utilizes didactic and experiential learning to provide an introduction and overview of a culturally appropriate model of care adapted for Latina/o clients, and takes into account the integration of cultural values in treatment. Specifically, participants will gain awareness about the three largest Latino subgroups in the United States, key cultural values, and the clinical relevance and assessment of such values. In addition, participants will gain familiarity with the utilization of an integrated cognitive-behavioral-interpersonal psychotherapy-motivational interviewing model to facilitate change within the therapeutic relationship.

Upon completion of the program the student will be able to:

• Have an appreciation of the challenges and barriers involved in providing effective behavioral health care to Latino clients
• Understand the clinical relevance of Latino cultural values in community mental health settings
• Gain an understanding of how to use motivational interviewing techniques to facilitate engagement with a Latino population
• Practice culturally responsive interventions that are congruent to the client’s values and that facilitate change within the therapeutic relationship

Program Code: LMHP
6 CE Credits
Location: at MSPP, West Roxbury/Boston

Luis Añez, Psy.D., received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the Florida Institute of Technology. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, and serves as the Director of Hispanic Services for the Connecticut Mental Health Center. His research and professional interests focus on training and education, and community based Hispanic behavioral health services. He serves as a national expert consultant on the use of motivational interviewing with Latino populations.

Michelle Silva, Psy.D., received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Hartford. She is currently an Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine and Associate Director of the Connecticut Latino Behavioral Health System. Her areas of professional interest include community-based Latino mental health, the development of culturally informed child and family interventions, the impact of immigration and acculturation, and the creation of culturally congruent behavioral health service systems.