1. Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of immigration and the effects of acculturation on the mental
health of Latino women. The goal of the paper is to understand how Latino women are effected
by immigration and migratory lifestyle, and further assist clinicians in identifying useful
treatment strategies when working with immigrant Latino women. A review of the literature
examines the effects of immigration, including family separation, acculturative stress, and the
positive aspects of acculturation. The synthesized research further explores common mental
health related issues among immigrant Latino women and finally discusses effective therapeutic
interventions important to working with this population of women. The findings of the research
suggest that separating from the family of origin as well developing stress due to acculturative
related issues makes Latino women more susceptible to developing a mental health related issue.
Findings also indicate several positive effects of acculturation, highlighting the importance of
maintaining connections with one’s cultural beliefs, while developing some level of
understanding regarding the host country’s culture. Finally, clinical implications for marriage &
family therapists emphasize the involvement of the family in the therapeutic process even if the
woman migrated alone.
Keywords: Immigration, Latino Women, Acculturation, Mental Health