Evidence-based interventions constitute a critical advancement in the mental health field. However, there is a high risk of engaging in oppressive practices, particularly if these interventions – and associated evaluation methods – are not co-designed nor co-implemented in close collaboration with community leaders and allies. Equally critical is to ensure that adapted interventions and research tools are contextually and culturally responsive to focus populations. In this presentation, Professor Parra-Cardona will describe 20+ years of clinical and prevention work focused on the cultural adaptation of evidence-based parenting interventions for Latinx populations in the US and Latin America. He will describe how the foundation of this work has been grounded in strong community alliances and co-leadership. In addition, he will demonstrate the need to culturally adapt interventions and research tools originally developed with majority populations, in an effort to prevent ethnocentric and imperialistic practices in mental health research and practice. He will also reflect on the critical importance of

guiding clinical and prevention interventions according to solid theories of clinical change, as well as social justice values and principles. Finally, he will invite the audience to reflect about the ways in which clinical and prevention intervention implemented in the midst of intense contextual adversity, constitute a powerful opportunity for healing, not only for the beneficiaries of interventions, but also for providers committed to clinical and community-based practice.

Booking is required for people outside of the Department of Social Policy and Intervention (DSPI).

DSPI Members do not need to register.