memo on hispanc adolescents mental health

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TO: ColleaguesDATE:
FROM: Social Work
RE:Mental Health in Hispanic Adolescents

MEMO
Among the 55 million Latinos in the US, approximately 32% are younger than 18 years, and 26% are between 18 and 33 years old. The largest part of the Hispanic community in the US is made up of young people. In fact, the Hispanic population has the largest percentage of youths in the US compared to all other races. This makes the Hispanic Youth a critically important group for social l work.
Mental health is a major challenge among Hispanic Youth. Prevalent economic conditions in these families mean that majority live in low-income neighborhoods where they face violence, drug abuse and trafficking, extreme poverty, and social injustices.
Constant exposure to these events is likely to result in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety and other mental challenges that require medical attention. Despite the high level of Hispanics exposed to psychologically impacting situations, only a minuscule number seeks professional help. National Alliance on Mental Illness figures indicates that more than 8.6 million (15%) of Latinos have been diagnosed with mental health challenges. The Surgeon’s General report found out that only 20% of Latino individuals with psychological disturbances speak to a practitioner and only 10% take the step to seek specialist treatment. The youth are more predisposed to mental health problems and are a majority in the Hispanic community and are therefore the majority of this data.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has proven to be effective in solving these psychosocial problems. This therapy works through an empowerment approach where individual capabilities are recognized and engendered to bear personal change. Research shows that CBT is more effective when administered in both English and Spanish to Hispanics. Randomized clinical trials indicate the approximately two-thirds of children treated with CBT will be free of their primary diagnoses with post-treatment of 3 to 6 months’.
Long-term efficacy of the therapy still needs to be investigated. To do this, sessions should be moved from 6-20 sessions a trial to at least 16-48 sessions.
Proper evaluation should be continuous with a participation of teachers, parents, and the community. Skills to interruptive disruptive tendencies must be emphasized.
Improving efficacy will require considering cultural adaptations necessary for treatment intervention to meet cultural needs and families. This includes addressing issues that regard treatment initiation and engagement to combat the stigma of mental health.