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Cultural Issues Presentation

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Immigration to United States began in the 17th century, and ever since, the country has been the destination for millions of people as they search for a better life.

The United States is a country of immigrants. With the exception of Native-Americans, every other American is, or descends from, an immigrant. First and second generation immigrant children are the most rapidly growing segment of the American population (Beiser & Edwards, 2007).

Currently, there are an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

5.6 million are of Mexican descent

1.8 million are from Central America

1.5 million are from Asia

(APA, 2023)

Population: Undocumented Immigrants

Mental Health Risk Factors

Financial issues, poverty, low socioeconomic status

Racism, discrimination, racial profiling

Stigma, social isolation, separation from family, fear of deportation

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Increased Risk for Mental Health Issues

These stressors identified increase one’s risk for suicidal ideation

Increased risk for depression, substance disorders and PTSD

Fear of getting help for these disorders

(APA, 2023)

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Cultural Understanding/ Treatment Recommendations

Provide adequate social support

Given the high risk for trauma among undocumented immigrants, screen for trauma in clients

Provide consistent and accessible resources

Recognize culturally specific concepts of distress, normative cultural factors, and cultural humility

Clinicians should regularly evaluate and reflect on their own cultural biases, understanding and awareness.

(APA, 2023)

References

American Psychiatric Association. 2023. Stress and Trauma Toolkit. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/diversity/education/stress-and-trauma/undocumented-immigrants#:~:text=Immigration%2Drelated%20stressors%20can%20increase,PTSD%20and%20other%20psychological%20disorders.

Beiser, M. & Edwards, G. (2007).  Mental health of immigrants and refugees  Download Mental health of immigrants and refugees. New Directions for Mental Health Services. 1994. 73 - 86. 10.1002/yd.23319946110.