This chapter underscores the importance of cultural competence in the provision of effective mental health services to Latino immigrants. Culturally competent mental health care must be understood within the context of a social-political-economic framework that is changing on a continual basis. Health and mental health care reform for Latino immigrants must be linked to both practice-based research efforts and timely diffusion of best practice innovations. Cultural competence must be integrated as a valued component of the organizational structure of mental health systems of care. © 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

Latino immigrants Mental health Cultural competence

ethnic group World immigrant Western Hemisphere health care United States mental health North America cultural identity