The Certificate in Bilingual Psychological Services: Esperanza no longer admits students as of Fall 2026. Students already admitted may only complete and be awarded this certificate through Summer 2027. The certificate will be discontinued Fall 2027. If you have any questions, please contact the department (see contact box).
This certificate develops foundational knowledge as well as practical skills for graduate students in Counseling, School or Rehabilitation Psychology programs in the School of Education or other health-related professions such as Social Work, Nursing, Family Medicine and Public Health to be able to provide psychological services to Spanish-speaking and bilingual (SsB) clients and community members. It involves coursework focused on Latinx/e mental health and wellbeing, microskills training to communicate bilingually, and support for case management as well as adapting extant services for SsB communities. The certificate curriculum and training are grounded in anti-racist, liberation, and decolonization frameworks to promote social justice and healing that engages radical hope for change in Latinx/e communities and expands the workforce capacity to provide linguistically responsive and culturally affirming mental health services.
Admissions
The Certificate in Bilingual Psychological Services: Esperanza no longer admits students as of Fall 2026. Students already admitted may only complete and be awarded this certificate through Summer 2027. The certificate will be discontinued Fall 2027. If you have any questions, please contact the department (see contact box).
Requirements
Students must maintain an average GPA of 3.0. Students interested in improving their Spanish language skills may take SPANISH 319 Topics in Spanish Language Practice while enrolled in the Esperanza Certificate.
Foundational Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Spring I | ||
| COUN PSY 500 | Radical Healing and Ethics of Bilingual Latinx Training | 1 |
| Summer I | ||
| COUN PSY/CHICLA 525 | Dimensions of Latinx/e Mental Health Services | 3 |
| COUN PSY 550 | Strengthening Latinxs | 3 |
| Fall I | ||
| COUN PSY 575 | Latinx Foundational Practicum: Case Conceptualization | 1 |
| Spring II | ||
| COUN PSY 580 | Latinx Advanced Practicum: Treatment Planning & Interventions | 1 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Professional Development
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop awareness of the social, cultural, spiritual, linguistic, political and historical features that influence mental health work with Latinxs
- Become knowledgeable about the theoretical and philosophical foundations of Latinx psychology
- Understand the structural, environmental and social determinants of health that influence the development and maintenance of health disparities among Latinxs
- Develop cultural and linguistic competency in providing psychotherapeutic interventions to Latinxs across the lifespan
- Demonstrate the ability to conceptualize and implement culturally grounded approaches to mental health care with Latinxs