Culturally Sensitive Interventions for Latinas and Spanish-Speaking Women

Interventions to meet the mental health needs of women suffering from perinatal depression or anxiety are limited, particularly those that are culturally and linguistically appropriate. The development and implementation of culturally sensitive interventions are necessary for increasing treatment engagement and effectiveness, as well as promoting the well-being of perinatal Latinas residing in the United States. Immigrant Latinas are equally susceptible to perinatal mood disorders as other populations and may carry a unique set of psychosocial factors (e.g., immigration status) that raise their risk for developing depressive or anxious symptoms. This chapter will (1) highlight specific interventions that can help meet the growing need for culturally and linguistically appropriate treatment, (2) share foundational insights to support those planning for similar interventions, and (3) recommend practices for developing and adapting interventions for Latinas and Spanish-speaking women. To facilitate this, two case studies developed and adapted as culturally sensitive interventions will be showcased. Additionally, immigrant-related stressors that drive the psychosocial risk factors of migration and how to address them will be discussed.