Spanish is the second-most common language in the state of Texas with over 6.2 million people speaking the language in their homes (2006 U.S. Census Bureau), yet it continues to be a severely under-represented language among mental health professionals in the state. To meet the mental health needs of all people in Texas, mental health services should be available in languages commonly spoken in the state.
The Hogg Foundation supports this important goal and is a co-sponsor of the University of Texas at El Paso – Department of Social Work’s conference, “Las Voces del Cambio: Servicios Bilingües de Salud Mental – Voices for Change: Bilingual Mental Health Services.” The full-day conference will take place on August 12 and will be presented in Spanish and English to enhance the capacity of mental health professionals and providers to deliver bilingual mental health services. Simultaneous interpretation will be available.
Dr. Maria Asunción Lara-Cantú will deliver a keynote address regarding treatment of depression in women in a trans-border context. A bi-national panel will discuss the impact of the drug cartel-related violence in Ciudad Juarez and responses to this in the Paso del Norte region. Afternoon breakout sessions will cover such topics as Structural Family Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Gestalt Interventions. CEUS are available.
The conference will take place in El Paso, Texas at the Camino Real Hotel. Proceeds will be used for scholarships for MSW students who make a commitment to provide bilingual mental health services after graduation. For more information or to register, visit the conference webpage.