Chapter 8 - Mental and behavioral health in immigrant populations: Assessment and interventions for culturally competent practice

Immigrants who have completed the strenuous immigration process carry with them into their new life acculturation-based stressors, such as exposure to traumatic events that often result in the prevalence of mental health conditions and symptoms. The three most prominent immigrant populations, Latinx, Asian, and African, each have barriers that hinder access to mental health assessment and treatment; however, there has been a push for more culturally competent assessment and intervention methods to address barriers and increase treatment adherence. Information is provided on various culturally sensitive methods to assess and treat mental health conditions onset by factors contributing to the immigration process for adolescents, adults, and older adults. Although there is more literature pertaining to culturally competent practice, continuing efforts are needed across various race and ethnicities as well as age groups to provide a more holistic approach to mental health treatment as well as promote protective factors such as a positive cultural identity of immigrants in the United States and worldwide.