Family-Focused Intervention for Latino Families Affected by Parental Depression
When a parent has depression, the child shares the confusion and shame associated with the depression. This risk is highest when the family lives in poverty or faces contextual stressors. Professor Valdez addresses the needs of Latino families who have a mother with depression in Wisconsin. Fortalezas Familiares (Family Strengths), is a culturally- and linguistically-adapted family intervention that aims to support the family through increased communication, family routines, warmth and nurturance, and an increased understanding of the parent's depression. Valdez offers the 12-week program to Latino families in Madison in a community setting. She also works with mental health clinicians to provide training about the program.
Outcomes
Families participating in the program show improvement in maternal mental health, other caregiver mental health, parental support, and family communication and functioning. Children also experience improvement in their emotional functioning but effects are stronger for mothers than for children. Qualitative data indicate that the program is effective, feasible, and acceptable to families. Clinicians also report improvement in their depressed clients. Project members are improving clinical practice by collaborating with mental health and health agencies and raising awareness of the needs of the family when a parent is depressed.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Carmen Valdez
Assistant Professor
- Department/Unit
- Counseling Psychology
- School or College
- School of Education