Behavioral Health Service Delivery With Latinos

In this chapter, we introduce readers to the Latinx population in the USA and provide suggestions for clinicians hoping to learn how to work more effectively with their Latinx clients. We begin by describing the heterogeneity of the Latinx population in the USA and discuss how historical, cultural, and adjustment experiences may be important to consider when providing treatment to Latinx clients. After describing the rich, diverse cultures that comprise the Latinx population, we provide suggestions for delivering behavioral health services to Latinx clients in an engaging and culturally informed manner. These suggestions are presented by phases of treatment, from pre-intake to termination. Although our recommendations are based on scholars who have devoted their careers to understanding the mental health needs of Latinx individuals in the USA, we caution our readers against making sweeping generalizations about Latinx clients based on cultural background alone. Instead, we encourage clinicians to consider how Latinx identity intertwines with other identities to impact each client’s lived experiences, and let this guide their approach to therapy.