Citation

Kanter JW, Santiago-Rivera AL, Rusch LC, Busch AM, West P. Behav. Modif. 2010; 34(2): 120-144.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0145445509359682

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Latinos demonstrate high rates of depression, often do not seek treatment, and terminate prematurely for a variety of reasons, including lack of sensitivity to contextual and cultural factors in treatment approaches. For decades researchers have suggested a behavioral approach to Latinos diagnosed with depression because such an approach targets the complex environmental stressors experienced by these populations with a simple, pragmatic approach. Recently, behavioral activation has been culturally and linguistically adapted for Latinos/Latinas diagnosed with depression (BA-Latino or BAL). The current study consists of a pilot evaluation of BAL at a bilingual (Spanish—English) community mental health clinic (N = 10 Latinas). Results provide preliminary support for the feasibility and effectiveness of BAL for Latinas in a community setting in terms of treatment adherence, retention, and outcomes. Implications and future directions are discussed.