Journal of Latinx Psychology, Vol 10(4), Nov 2022, 291-303; doi:10.1037/lat0000210
There is a large body of literature dedicated to understanding the postimmigration factors that influence the mental health of Latinx immigrant families with little attention paid to experiences prior to or during the migration journey. Given that providers, who work predominantly with the Latinx immigrant population, have first-hand knowledge and can offer a unique perspective on the mental health needs of Latinx immigrants and the interplay between immigration and mental health, this study sought their input. A total of 21 providers were recruited. The participants were direct service providers who had extensive experience working with Latinx immigrant families. We oversampled mental health providers. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and themes were matched with the transnational theory of cultural stress. Most providers (90%) were females. Two-thirds of providers were Latinx. The majority of providers (57%) had been practicing 5 years or more. Five themes emerged: (1) exposure to violence in the clients’ country of origin, (2) issues of violence and family separation encountered during the clients’ immigration journey, (3) unique immigration-related difficulties influence clients’ mental health upon arrival to the U.S., (4) complex layers of trauma, and (5) clients proactively utilize community organizations for resources and support. Findings from this study indicate that the experience of trauma, along the immigration continuum, is common for Latinx immigrant families. Future research should aim to create culturally appropriate trainings and use validated trauma screening tools to appropriately identify and treat trauma in the Latinx immigrant population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)