Understanding mental health service needs and treatment characteristics for Latin American immigrants and refugees: A focus on CBT strategies for reducing acculturative stress

Abstract Acculturative stress is a key social driver of health impacting the mental health of immigrants and refugees from Latin America, which contributes to inequities experienced by them. While there is a robust scientific literature describing and evaluating evidence-based treatments targeting a range of psychiatric disorders, these treatments often do not primarily target acculturative stress. Thus, the present study examined how psychotherapists ought to treat acculturative stress directly in their clinical practice. Ten therapists were interviewed using a qualitative descriptive approach. Rapid contemporary content analysis was used to describe Latino/Hispanic immigrants’ most common presenting problems, the context in which they provide care for these problems, and the psychotherapeutic approaches currently utilized or considered effective in mitigating acculturative stress. Findings revealed that common mental health conditions that therapists addressed among this population, including depression, anxiety and trauma-related somatization, including the unique context in which therapy was delivered. Additionally, specific strategies for addressing acculturative stress such as the importance of acknowledging this stressor, drawing out immigration journey narratives, and behavioural activation approaches were shared. The results from this study can be used to improve the effectiveness of mental health interventions addressing acculturative stress among immigrant and refugee populations. Key learning aims (1) To explore how acculturative stress represents a key driver of mental health for immigrants and refugees from Latin America. (2) To consider ways that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) elements can be applied to treating acculturative stress and mental health problems among immigrants and refugees from Latin America. (3) To expand upon strategies that can be helpful in rapport-building and establishing trust with patients who are struggling with acculturative stress.