Spanish Speaking Psychosocial Clinic

According to the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research brief from July 2021, “The Latino/x population is the second fastest-growing racial and ethnic group in the U.S. and the largest racial and ethnic group in California. With a range of ethnic backgrounds, sociodemographic profiles, and length of residence in the U.S., the Latino/x population is highly diverse.” (source) In the UCLA Spanish Speaking Psychosocial Clinic (SSPC), our Latino/x patient population reflects the diverse population of Latinos/x in Los Angeles. In addition, it serves all levels of Spanish language proficiency and considers cultural and structural barriers to mental health, addresses disparities, and improves outcomes.

Since 1977, the SSPC has been interdisciplinary. The clinic is staffed by culturally responsive, bilingual, and bicultural mental health professionals within the disciplines of psychiatry, psychology, and social work. The SSPC provides training in the provision of socio-culturally relevant, mental health services to the rapidly growing and underserved Latino/x community in Los Angeles County. Our patients span a full range of psychiatric diagnostic categories and are provided with treatment in a variety of modalities, including individual, group (see La Plática flyer below), and family psychotherapy, as well as pharmacotherapy and behavioral interventions (see ¡Presente! flyer below). Our clinicians and staff have extensive knowledge of Latino/x cultural issues related to immigration status, acculturative stress, ethnicity, gender roles, socioeconomic status, LGBTQIA+, transgenerational experiences, religion/spirituality, and cultural practices/traditions/beliefs that impact Latino/x individuals and families. In alignment with the Hispanic Serving Institution’s mission to increase retention and foster a sense of belonging at UCLA, it will also look at ways to better support our undergraduate and graduate Latino/x student population in navigating their own mental health and well-being.

The SSPC aims to collaborate with faculty and students at the undergraduate and graduate levels to do research, policy, and educational exchange. In addition, it has established community partnerships to increase resources available to Latino/x patients and families, as well as provide psychoeducation and access to the community at large.

The UCLA Spanish Speaking Psychosocial Clinic is an outpatient mental health clinic within the SEMEL adult outpatient psychiatry department located at 300 Medical Plaza.