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PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL GROUP PROPOSAL
Psychoeducational Group Proposal
Topic Information
The purpose of this psychoeducational group is to provide the Latinx community with a
supportive resource to learn more about common mental health struggles that often go undiagnosed and
underserved due to language barriers and cultural differences. Furthermore, this group aims to reach
Latinx individuals in more rural communities, by meeting in a central location that is more easily
accessible and providing resources in their native language. More importantly, Cervantes et al. (2019)
identifies cultural inclusivity and incorporation into services as the greatest protective factor in addressing
depression and anxiety in Latinx individuals, thus underlining the importance of keeping this group
relevant to the group’s culture.
According to a study conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the most
common mental illnesses experienced by the Latinx community are post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety
disorder, depression, and substance abuse (2020). This group aims to provide foundational education on
symptoms, side effects and common treatments for these illnesses, while acknowledging cultural
differences that can influence how Latinx members perceive their struggles. Additionally, this
psychoeducational group will underline coping skills and natural methods to address these struggles, in
congruence with receiving individual treatment from a mental health professional.
This Latinx psychoeducational group will aim to identify and address common beliefs regarding
mental health services and colloquialisms that often warn against receiving help for personal struggles, to
gain better insight into barriers, as well as provide support and identify misconceptions caused by lack of
cultural awareness from providers. Furthermore, leading this group in their native language promotes trust
and confidence in care, as studies demonstrate a higher probability of abandoning services (Barrera &
Longoria, 2018).
Group Outline
Group Purpose
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PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL GROUP PROPOSAL
The purpose of this psychoeducational group is to increase awareness of common mental health
illnesses and symptoms experienced among Latinx individuals, in an environment that is safe and
culturally inclusive, while presenting information and resources in Spanish.
Target Audience
The target audience for this psychoeducational group are those individuals who identify with the
Latinx community, Spanish-speaking individuals, or those that have an interest in expanding their
knowledge of the impacts of mental health on the Latinx community. “Latinx” is used to collectively
identify Latino (masculine) and Latina (feminine) individuals collectively, as to prevent the misuse of
pronouns and promote gender inclusivity (Torres, 2018).
Group Goals
The first goal of this group is to bring Latinx individuals together to share similar experiences, in
a setting that promotes education on commonly experienced mental illnesses. The second goal of this
group is to promote a heightened awareness of resources that are available to these community members,
and feelings of empowerment when taking the next step in their mental health journey to betterment.
Group Objectives
Group members will receive psychoeducation, presented in Spanish, on the symptoms of
Anxiety, Depression, PTSD and Substance use. Group members will learn to identify cultural influences
that act as barriers to receiving mental health services. Group members will learn to identify maladaptive,
negative thoughts that promote feelings of discouragement when addressing their mental health needs and
replace these with adaptive thoughts to increase feelings of empowerment. Group members will receive
information on resources available in their local community that provide services in their native language.
Group rules
Confidentiality: Anything shared between two or more group members at any time is considered
part of the group and is deemed confidential. The group leader is exempted from confidentiality, only in
the event that safety is breached, at which time the group leader will take appropriate action. The group
leader also reserves the right to remove members from the group if confidentiality is found to be violated.
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PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL GROUP PROPOSAL
Respect: All members agree to respect the rights, privacy and views of others. At no time will
humiliation, abuse or taunting be permitted. Sharing of beliefs is encouraged but attempting to convert or
sway others to align with personal beliefs will never be allowed. Refrain from using offensive language,
including racial slurs.
Intimidation or violence: Violence or intimidation toward others will never be permitted.
Substance use: Attending a group while under the influence of any substance is prohibited.
Sharing: Share feelings or experiences, but not advice.
Interruptions: Avoid interrupting others, silence electronic devices, and refrain from having side
conversations when information is being presented.
Attendance: Group members are expected to attend all group meetings, unless in the event of an
emergency.
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PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL GROUP PROPOSAL
References
Barrera, I. & Longoria, D. (2018). Examining cultural mental health care barriers among Latinos.
CLEARvoz Journal, 4(1), 1-12. https://journals.sfu.ca/cvj/index.php/cvj/article/view/35/34
Cervantes, R.C., Gattamorta, K.A. & Berger-Cardoso, J. (2019). Examining Difference in Immigration
Stress, Acculturation Stress and Mental Health Outcomes in Six Hispanic/Latino Nativity and
Regional Groups. J Immigrant Minority Health, 21, 14–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-018-
0714-9
Mental Health Challenges and Support: Latinx Communities. (2020). National Alliance of Mental Illness
(NAMI). https://namica.org/mental-health-challenges-in-latinocommunities/#:~:text=Common
%20mental%20health%20conditions%20among,a%20concern%20for%20Latinx%20youth
Torres, L. (2018). Latinx?. Latino Studies, 16, 283-285.
SpringerLink United States Census Bureau. (2020). Quick Facts.
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