VALOR: Cultural Considerations When Assessing Central American Immigrant Women in Behavioral Health Settings
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Practice Innovations
Volume
7
Issue
3
Publisher
American Psychological Association
Publication Date
1-1-2022
First Page
268
Last Page
279
Abstract
The topic of immigration is timely yet polarizing. By definition, to be an immigrant implies being in a state of transition and transformation. The eventual outcome is likely to be influenced by a series of contextual factors starting in the country of origin, continuing during the migration journey, and culminating in receiving communities. The authors use a fictional case example of a Central American immigrant woman to illustrate VALOR, the Spanish word for courage, as an acronym that identifies five key areas for clinical consideration in behavioral health settings: Values, Arrival in the United States, Losses, Obstacles to care, and Resources. VALOR offers guidance for a culturally informed assessment critical for mental health clinicians. Implications for culturally affirming treatment directions including advocacy, community linkage, and attention to trauma and unresolved grief are woven into the discussion.
Recommended Citation
Silva, M. A., Domenech Rodríguez, M. M., Garcini, L. M., Mercado, A., Cadenas, G. A., Venta, A. C., & Paris, M. (2022). VALOR: Cultural considerations when assessing Central American immigrant women in behavioral health settings. Practice Innovations, 7(3), 268-279. https://doi.org/10.1037/pri0000186 Infographic: https://osf.io/eznjc
