Spanish for the Mental Health Clinician

“The group of us were a great mix. Some were fluent in Spanish, others were moderate and there were many that knew very little at all. We were all divided in class that reflected our knowledge of Spanish. I know that we have all taken Spanish Classes before but these classes were fun and interactive. We would play games that would help us learn the language and practice with one another on our longer bus rides on field trips. I was in the fluent class and I would have to say that I was amazingly impressed to see how quickly my classmates who were in the intro class were able to pick up the language.”      - Erika Beckles-Summer 2005 participant

“The Spanish classes were very helpful! My teacher was extremely patient, and really geared the course towards our level, while integrating important issues of discussion that were happening within the country.”     -Lesley Gould-Summer 2006 participant

 Language differences create a major barrier for Latin American individuals and families seeking clinical services. For example, approximately 40% of Californians speak a language other than English in their home (US Census, 2000). For health and mental health services to be effective, providers must be able to communicate with patients and clients in ways that they can understand (Bloom, Masland, Keeler, Wallace, & Snowden). Linguistic matching has been found to increase client trust and rapport with the provider, and  improve the ability of the client to understand and follow the proposed treatment regiment (Ramirez, 2003). If you want to help change the world, including clinically, learn another language.

In order to address the clinical impact of language barriers, a significant component of the Summer MFT Immersion program focuses on Spanish language acquisition. Every participant will be paired with a supportive and experienced Spanish instructor.

On the first day of the program, participants are given an evaluation to determine their level of Spanish language proficiency and are placed in an appropriate course level. All levels are available from a beginning jump start program to advanced levels aimed at improving Spanish speaking clinicians' language skills in professional settings. All levels have components tailored for mental health workers. (i.e. Joining techniques, Gathering family histories, Constructing family genograms, language of common interventions, etc). Additionally, marriage and family therapy students may earn up to 20 hours of the Professional Development Requirement for the Alliant MFT Degree.

Home Stays

Much of the learning during the program takes place outside of the classroom. Participants have the opportunity  to stay in a room of a Mexican Family’s home. Through home stays participants avoid remainign solely in a US bubble in Mexico.

“Getting to live with a family in Mexico was interesting. I got to witness the family interact by speaking mostly in Spanish, and sometimes in English which allowed me to see the differences in the interaction between family members. I don't think I would have enjoyed the experience as much if I had chosen to live in a hotel instead of with the family.  I had an awesome roommate, and ended up being treated like family. I was able to see the differences in Mexican customs, traditions, and level of importance they placed on certain items as compared to Mexican Americans.”        -Maribel Silva 2005 participant

There are a variety of home stays available and careful attention is given to make sure it is a good fit. In some instances participants stay with a family, others with single adults; with individuals familiar with the GLBT community, or in homes adapted for the needs of individuals with physical disabilities. In most cases, students will be assigned two to a home.

Your home-stay includes two meals per day (usually breakfast and a light supper). Staying with a family also supplements the Spanish component of the program by providing a real life opportunity to immediately reinforce material learned in the Spanish courses. Having participants stay in homes has the additional benefit of financially contributing to families and the local communities which may not be the case when participants stay at a hotel.