This novel treatment engaged a community-based Latino sample. The results suggest high acceptability and significant reduction in trauma symptoms and associated symptoms. This study included a small number of participants and results should be interpreted with caution. Future iterations will target larger number of participants to further assess feasibility. (PsycINFO Database Record

Curandera/os are practitioners who heal individuals through specialized knowledge of herbs, massage, bone setting, counseling, spirituality, and midwifery. This study focused on Curandera/os who have worked with Mexican and Mexican American communities in California. The aim of this study was to elucidate the philosophical framework and the practices of Curanderismo from the perspectives of Curandera/os themselves, in order to educate mainstream mental health professionals and aid them in becoming more culturally attuned to the underserved population of immigrant Latina/os from Mexico and Central America. A qualitative, phenomenological approach was used to analyze interviews with 8 Curandera/os. The results present a theoretical framework of health and illness in Curanderismo focused on themes of spirit, connection, balance, and mind-body; an additional theme illustrated perspectives on how clients improve, including faith in the practice, a strong relationship with the client, believing in the energy from the healer, uncovering remedies from early childhood, and connecting the client with the healing elements (e.g., medicinal plants). Eight major tenets are presented to explain the principles Curandera/os use to guide their practice. Finally, specific treatments were identified, including that of susto, a condition described as a damaged, frightened, spirit. A common sentiment among the Curandera/os was the experience of feeling marginalized and silenced by mainstream professionals. Thus, mental health providers are urged to understand the importance that traditional healers place on religion and spirituality and the significance of tending to the spirit for the many immigrant Latina/o clients.

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This study examines the prevalence of trauma exposure and its association with psychiatric symptoms, substance use, and sexual activity among First-Time Offending, Court-Involved Non-Incarcerated (FTO-CINI) Latinx youth. Latinx youth (N=181), ages 12-18, were recruited from a family court in the Northeastern region of the United States as part of a longitudinal cohort study of 423 FTO-CINI youth. Baseline data on trauma exposure and symptoms, psychiatric symptoms, substance use (alcohol/marijuana), and sexual activity among the Latinx sample were analyzed by age, gender, and offense type (status versus delinquent). Almost three-quarters of Latinx FTO-CINI youth reported lifetime trauma exposure. Almost half of Latinx youth reported lifetime marijuana use, 30% reported lifetime alcohol use, and 33% reported lifetime sexual activity. Females reported higher rates of internalizing symptoms and greater affect dysregulation. Traumaexposed youth were more likely than their non-exposed peers to have reported more externalizing symptoms; trauma-exposed females compared to trauma-exposed males reported more severe internalizing symptoms. Latinx FTO-CINI females may have different behavioral health needs than their male counterparts. Court-based screening and assessment practices should attend to the specific behavioral needs of this unique, underserved population.

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