Total Credits: 1 including 1 PD
This 1-hour presentation aims to provide valuable insights into the intersection of immigration and mental health. It will cover various key points to enhance understanding and promote effective support in this complex and sensitive area. The presentation will include the following topics:
1. US Statistics of Mixed-Status Families: An overview of current statistics and trends related to mixed-status families in the United States, highlighting the prevalence and significance of this population.
2. Immigration Status Along a Spectrum: Exploring the range of immigration statuses, from undocumented immigrants to naturalized citizens, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse experiences and challenges faced by individuals and families at different points on this spectrum.
3. Adjustment of Status and Humanitarian Forms of Immigration Relief: An examination of the pathways through which individuals can seek lawful permanent residency, including adjustment of status and various humanitarian forms of immigration relief. This section will provide an overview of the processes involved and the potential avenues for individuals to attain legal status.
4. Role of Mental Health Professionals: Highlighting the crucial role mental health professionals can play in supporting individuals and families within mixed-status contexts. This section will explore ways in which mental health professionals can provide assistance, including therapeutic interventions, counseling, and psychoeducation.
5. Cultural and Ethical Considerations: Addressing the cultural and ethical considerations that mental health professionals should be mindful of when working with mixed-status families. This section will explore potential barriers to mental health services, such as language barriers, cultural stigmas, and fear of immigration-related repercussions, and provide strategies for overcoming these challenges.
6. Question and Answer Session: Allowing participants to engage in an interactive discussion, ask questions, and seek clarification on any aspects covered in the presentation.
By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
Demonstrate an enhanced understanding of the various immigration statuses along the spectrum, from undocumented immigrants to naturalized citizens, and recognize the implications and challenges faced by individuals and families at different points on this spectrum.
Identify and apply culturally sensitive and ethically informed strategies when working with mixed-status families, including recognizing potential barriers to mental health services and developing approaches to overcome these barriers, thereby promoting inclusivity and effective support in their professional practice.
A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, I immigrated to the U.S. in 1991. I received my professional training from the University of California, Los Angeles, and the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego. I completed post-doctoral training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis and the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center, where I graduated from the 5-year integrated child and adult psychoanalytic program.
In addition, I have had extensive training in forensic psychology, developing a specialty in immigration evaluations. I also perform psychological evaluations for criminal defense cases (competency and mitigation for sentencing), C&P examinations for the U.S. Dept. of Veteran's Affairs, fitness for duty evaluations, and pre-adoption assessments, among others.
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