UGA Bulletin Logo

U.S. Latino/a Mental Health: An Introduction


Course Description

An overview of Latino/a mental health issues in the United States from the perspective of well-being, cultural strengths, and empowerment. Students will examine the strengths and resiliency of U.S. Latinos/as and critically examine structural and societal barriers in the U.S. that result in stress and mental illness in this population.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
In addition to the required readings, midterm, and final exam, graduate students in this course must do the following: 1. Summarize one recent research article per topic area. The article must be from a refereed journal, be empirical or theoretical and be published within the last 12 months. 2. Complete a literature review related to one of the topics in the course. This review must consist of empirical research and include a critical analysis of the research and suggestions for future research. The review is expected to range from 10-15 pages (exclusive of references) written in APA style.


Athena Title

US Latino/a Mental Health Intr


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

At the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate: 1. General knowledge of the history of U.S. Latino/as, including immigration history, generational status, relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean, traditional settlement areas, and other relevant demographic information. 2. Awareness of the relevant research, practice, and training literature concerning Latino/a mental health. 3. Critical awareness of the limitations of Latino/a-focused research and training as well as future directions. 4. Understanding of strengths of Latino/as and Latino/a culture. 5. Awareness of societal and systemic barriers (e.g., education, immigration, mental health infrastructure) that negatively impact U.S. Latino/as.


Topical Outline

1 Introductions; review syllabus 2 An overview of U.S. Latino/a history. Who are the Latinos/as? 3 Latino/a worldviews and cultural values 4 Immigration and mental health 5 Acculturation and enculturation 6 The complexity of Latino/a multidimensional identity 7 Is the U.S. mental health system ready to competently serve U.S. Latinos/as? 8 Latinos/as, education and mental health 9 Mid-term 10 Latinos/as and work 11 Stress and Latinos/as 12 Latino/a families: strengths and transformations 13 Mental health research and Latinos/as 14 Mental health practice and Latinos/as 15 Mental health policy, education, training and Latinos/as 16 Future challenges and directions for Latino/a mental health 17 Final exam


Syllabus