Crossroads: The Psychology of Immigration in the New Century

and mental health, across the numerous contexts in which
immigrants function. Such services should be accessible,
affordable, and culturally and linguistically appropriate. To
promote this standard of care, the task force recommends
that APA:
• Support opportunities for the sharing of practice
methods and theories within the field of psychology
that are developed to address the special needs of
immigrant-origin individuals and their families across
the life span, recognizing there may be methods
of treatment that incorporate culturally syntonic
techniques into practice.
• Advocate for the implementation of comprehensive,
community- and school-based mental health programs
and interventions that demonstrate clinical effectiveness
with immigrant-origin children and adolescents.
• Support and advocate for federal policy initiatives
that assist in the adjustment and self-sufficiency of
immigrant-origin adults (including older adults),
children and adolescents, and families.
• Advocate for initiatives that provide case-management
services for immigrant-origin individuals across the
life span that address basic needs and access to essential
resources (e.g., physical health care, mental and
behavioral health care, job placement, and housing).
• Support the development of and access to a range of
services for unaccompanied immigrant minors, such as
physical and mental health services, adequate housing
and provision of daily needs, and school placement and
support.
• Support the development and dissemination of
culturally and linguistically appropriate evidenceinformed
practices for prevention, intervention, and
treatment of mental and behavioral health problems
among immigrant-origin individuals across the life span
in both traditional and nontraditional settings (e.g.,
home, community, school, and detention facilities).
Education and Training
To significantly improve and enhance education and training
opportunities related to immigrant issues for students in
psychology and encourage education and training for, and
retention of, professionals who work with immigrant adults
Summary of Recommendations
and children across the life span, the task force recommends
that APA:
• Promote education and training on methods to
ensure that research and assessment are conducted in a
culturally competent manner.
• Continue to promote psychology education and
training in multicultural practice and research.
• Advocate for federal policy initiatives that support
education and training opportunities in psychology to
work with diverse populations such as:
J Minority Fellowship Program: Train immigrant-origin
minority mental health professionals to provide
culturally and linguistically competent and accessible
mental health services for diverse populations.
J Graduate Psychology Education Program: Support the
interdisciplinary training of psychology graduate
students while the students provide supervised
mental and behavioral health services to underserved
populations (e.g., immigrant populations, other diverse
populations, and victims of abuse and trauma).
• Encourage continuing education programs for practicing
psychologists and mental health professionals that include
information on multicultural practice and the importance
of effective collaboration between psychologists and
interdisciplinary colleagues, resource agencies, community
leaders, paraprofessionals, and cultural brokers to address
the needs and strengths of immigrant-origin individuals
and their families across the life span.
• Provide training and effective supports to teachers and
other service providers in the fields serving immigrant
populations, including prejudice reduction.
• Support policies and practices in testing and assessment
of immigrant-origin individuals consistent with APA’s
standards for educational and psychological testing.
Collaboration and advocacy
To improve collaboration and advocacy between and
among individuals, organizations, and systems that provide
care to immigrant-origin adults (including older adults),
children and adolescents, and families in need, the task force
recommends that APA:
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