The psychological impact of migration: practice considerations in working with Hispanic women

The challenge for clinicians working with Hispanic immigrant women is to integrate a culturally sensitive practice framework while also accurately assessing for mental disorders. This article presents some of the challenges experienced by Hispanic women who migrate to the United States, placing them within an unfamiliar and sometimes conflictual cultural context. Existing literature is used to emphasize the importance of integrating aspects of the Hispanic culture in delivering therapeutic services to Hispanic immigrant women. Psychological problems resulting from the migration experience are identified and the use of defense mechanisms such as idealization by immigrant women is highlighted. The interdependent relationship between culturally sensitive practice and clinical diagnosis is explored. Therapeutic group sessions are presented as one way to help this population develop mutual support systems, increase their self-esteem, problem-solve difficulties produced by the migratory experience, identify community resources and increase parenting skills. In closing, future applications of this type of intervention model are suggested.