CSPP Programs in Mexico

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Latinos are the fastest growing subgroup in the United States and already comprise more than 12 percent of the total U.S. population and one third of the population in California. The Latino population often struggles to connect with competent mental health providers who possess a sound knowledge of and sensitivity to the unique needs of their community.

The California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University offers a variety of educational experiences in Mexico City to prepare students and mental health professionals with core competencies to better meet the mental health needs of Latino communities.

With instruction primarily provided in English, the programs include Spanish coursework tailored for mental health professionals as well as experiential training in Mexican customs and culture.

The CSPP programs in Mexico City are designed to train culturally competent clinicians to work with diverse families in our global society. While the specific objective is to improve mental health services to Latino communities, the programs also prepare participants to be internationally competent professionals, which is increasingly important even for professionals who plan to work only within the boundaries of the United States.

Unique Educational Location

One of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City is dynamic and offers a valuable opportunity to experience a truly globalized environment. The CSPP programs in Mexico City bring in top academics and professionals from Mexico, the U.S. and visiting international faculty.

Students from the U.S. and other non-Spanish speaking countries have the opportunity to learn Spanish, to experience the rich culture of Mexico and to understand international issues from a fresh viewpoint. For Latino students from the U.S., the programs provide opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of their own culture while building academic and professional links in the U.S. and Mexico that will help them become truly bicultural professionals.

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

The Master’s in Counseling Psychology combines traditional teaching methods with experiential study tours and direct clinical experience. This innovative program teaches the core clinical competencies necessary to respond to the mental health needs of the Latino community, with particular emphasis on applying psychological and systemic theories in counseling children, couples and families. The program also fulfills all academic requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California.

Opportunity to participate in Spanish Language Program
Clinical skill development through practicum experience at a Mexican mental health agency
Coursework on Latin American psychologies and philosophies (i.e. liberation psychology and Paulo Frèire’s dialogical approach to change).
Mexican and U.S.-based professors
Evening classes tailored to the working individual
Earn the Certificate in Latin American Family Therapy

Program requirements: 53 semester units. Coursework taught entirely in English.

Marital and Family Therapy Satellite Program

The Marital and Family Therapy Satellite Program in Mexico City is designed to train culturally competent clinicians. The program provides an opportunity for students from the U.S.-based Marital and Family Therapy program to complete any or all of their first three semesters in Mexico City. Students then return to their home campuses to continue their second year of coursework and to complete their practicum experience.

Live therapy observation
Round table discussions led by MFT faculty
Spanish language classes
Guest lectures by internationally known experts
Cultural and sight-seeing day trips

Certificate in Latin American Family Therapy

The Certificate in Latin American Family Therapy is designed to assist clinicians—both those working on a degree and those already working in the field—in developing general multicultural competencies, an increased understanding of the historical and cultural influences affecting Latin American clients, and the ability to identify best practice procedures for assessing and addressing issues in Latin American mental health. Program requirements include:

Completion of an Immersion Program in Mexico City
100 hours of documented client contact with the Latin American population
PSY 6326 Diversity and the Family (3 units)
PSY 6643 Cross Cultural Topics: Critical Issues in Latin America (3 units) (taught in Mexico City-
Summer Semester)
PSY 6654 Psychology of Ethnic Diversity: Latin American & Liberation Psychologies (3 units)
PSY 6312 MFT Theories (4 units)
PSY 6313 MFT Techniques (3 units)

Spanish Language and Cultural Immersion Programs

With a community of mental health professionals intent on enhancing cross-cultural and international competencies, CSPP provides professional enrichment opportunities centered around exploring one’s own cultural values and biases, building awareness of clients’ worldviews and utilizing culturally appropriate intervention strategies.

Custom Academic Tours
Counseling agencies or mental health training programs can arrange customized academic tours organized around specific topics. Academic tours typically include lectures, reading materials and visits to relevant sites and can be taken for university credit or as learning vacations. Academic tours and immersion experiences can be arranged throughout the year for students and professionals of all ages who share an interest in such issues as history, culture, business and international relations.

Summer Spanish Language and Cultural Immersion Program
This five-week summer program is open to students of all universities, working professionals, and individuals interested in the language and culture of Mexico. Participants are placed in home stays with local families and experience Mexican culture through excursions and in-class lectures.

Lectures on Latin American culture, politics, religion and spirituality, history, economics, traditions, immigration and family roles
Experiential learning activities
Spanish language classes tailored for mental health professionals
Interaction with local therapists and field experts