Author

Gloria Lainez

Abstract

With an increase of Spanish-speakers residing in the United States, there is an increase in the need for Spanish-speaking mental health providers. Psychologists have to undergo years of education and extensive training in order to get licensed to provide services. However, little is known about the education and training of psychologists who are bilingual Spanish-English speakers providing mental health services to monolingual Spanish-speaking clients. This qualitative study gathered feedback via phone interviews from seven doctoral level psychology students who identified as bilingual Spanish-English. Feedback gathered was on the Spanish Language Assessment measure created by Dr. Rogelio Serrano in the hope of modifying the measure for future use. In addition, feedback was gathered on each participant's experience in graduate school as it relates to preparedness for working with the Spanish-speaking population, suggestions for improving education and training in this area, and their understanding of cultural and linguistic competence. A thematic analysis outlined themes in participant responses. The findings will help shed light on the assessment for linguistic and cultural competence in bilingual Spanish-English clinicians, in addition to exploring ways to improve clinical graduate training for those working with Spanish-speaking populations.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Dissertations (PsyD) -- Psychology; Bilingualism -- Case studies; Psychology students -- Case studies; Hispanic Americans -- Mental health services

Date of Award

2019

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Castañeda-Sound, Carrie;

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