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Towards a Cultural Adaptation of Family Psychoeducation: Findings from Three Latino Focus Groups

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Abstract

This study was undertaken among Latinos receiving treatment from a community mental health center in New York City. The primary mental health concern was schizophrenia. We conducted three focus groups and present the viewpoints of consumers, family members, and providers. Using qualitative content analysis we identified four predominant categories: (1) the importance of family ties; (2) stigma about mental illness; (3) respect and trust in interpersonal relationships; and (4) facilitators and barriers to implementing Family Psychoeducation. Analysis of transcripts revealed specific subthemes for each category. Implications for imparting culturally sensitive material into mental health services for Latinos are discussed.

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Notes

  1. For complete findings from the pre-focus groups, please contact the corresponding author, Dr. Molly Finnerty.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Sharon Carpinello for her instrumental support in conducting this study. We also thank Dottie Castille, Leopoldo Cabassa, Rene Vázquez, Hector Rosales, Lara Brusa-O’Connell, and Alejandro Pawliszyn for their assistance. This study was supported by funds from a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant (No. 6HD9SM56135-02-01). Dr. Lewis-Fernández was supported by institutional funds from the New York State Psychiatric Institute and by the National Institute of Mental Health (R01 MH 077226). The contents of this article are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the funding agency.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bureau of Evidence Based Services and Implementation Science (EBSIS), New York State Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH), New York State Psychiatric Institute, Audubon Clinic- 3rd floor, rm 327, 1051 Riverside Dr., Mailbox 104, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Veronica Hackethal, Scott Spiegel, Edith Kealey & Molly Finnerty

  2. NYS Center of Excellence for Cultural Competence and Hispanic Treatment Program, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Roberto Lewis-Fernández

  3. Division of Mental Health Services Research, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Anthony Salerno

  4. McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY, USA

    Anthony Salerno

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  1. Veronica Hackethal
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  2. Scott Spiegel
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  3. Roberto Lewis-Fernández
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  4. Edith Kealey
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  5. Anthony Salerno
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  6. Molly Finnerty
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Correspondence to Molly Finnerty.

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Hackethal, V., Spiegel, S., Lewis-Fernández, R. et al. Towards a Cultural Adaptation of Family Psychoeducation: Findings from Three Latino Focus Groups. Community Ment Health J 49, 587–598 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-012-9559-1

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