Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Dr. Lucille Esralew

Abstract

AbstractThis hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the lived professional experiences involving mental health providers’ cultural sensitivity towards Latinx clients in the context of mental health service delivery. Pedersen and Essadoh’s multiculturalism framework, known as the “fourth force” of psychology, was used as a guiding framework. Fifteen mental health providers were recruited. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews via Skype, in-person, or phone interviews with participants who had from two to over thirteen years of working experience with Latinx populations. Interviews were examined using an interpretive phenomenological analysis. Four themes emerged from participant responses. Findings revealed that cultural competence and cultural awareness were central to the delivery of mental health care to Latinx clients and approaches to developing cultural competence. Bilingualism and multilingualism were critical in terms of identifying and developing cultural competence among mental health providers, and Latinx clients sought mental health services due to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. Results may promote positive social change by increasing awareness of challenges experienced by minority communities and the value of cultural competence in addressing such challenges. This study may inform policymakers and educational stakeholders about policies and development of curricula that is relevant to cultural competence. Participants were a small sample of clinicians in Idaho whose responses may represent regional considerations. Further researchers can use mixed methods to reexamine connections between cultural competence and awareness and how use of language influences cultural competence.

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