Course Description
This course is designed to provide practitioners with a brief overview of the important role in the therapeutic process that is played by cultural identity—specifically Hispanic and Latino cultural identities. The overriding goal is to provide information about Latino and Hispanic identity that will assist practitioners to better understand the great diversity presented by clients. The course explores the concepts of race, ethnicity, and culture and how these concepts work to form Latino and Hispanic identity. The content also explores the concept of the Latino and Hispanic identity as an American identity and the importance of cultural competency skills. Toward the end of the content, three case vignettes demonstrate how culture can be incorporated into the diagnostic process, along with specific skills, such as scientific-mindedness, dynamic sizing, and culture-specific expertise. To complete the course, readers access online content that incorporates short web-based videos, case vignettes, and valuable resources.
Target Audience
This course is intended for practitioners who now serve or will serve clients who identify as Latino and Hispanic. This course can be used toward the requirement of 15 hours of California Cultures coursework for out-of-state applicants. View requirement details here.
Learning Objectives
After completing the course content, readers will be able to do the following:
- Identify the terms “race,” “ethnicity,” and “culture” as they relate to an individual.
- Identify Latino and Hispanic individuals as a heterogeneous group with profound diversity.
- Identify the elements necessary to understand and apply cultural diversity among Latinos and Hispanics.
- Identify sociopolitical experiences of Latinos and Hispanics in the United States.
- Identify strategies for incorporating cultural competence skills into therapeutic work with clients who identify as Latino or Hispanic.