Conducting the Cross-Cultural Clinical Interview

This chapter describes basic principles and processes in the clinical mental health interview of a person from any cultural group. Because of the author's own background and the characteristics of his clinical work, the emphasis of the chapter is on the Hispanic/Latino group, specifically Mexican Americans. The principles outlined can apply to many types of interviews: diagnostic, psychotherapeutic, emergency, and so on. The approach can best be described as dynamic but also available to gathering information for formal DSM diagnoses and formulations. Nuances of the cross-cultural dynamic process in the areas of language, intrapersonal attitudes/feelings, communication patterns, and other areas are covered. Specific psychotherapy techniques and explicit details about diagnostic formulation are beyond the scope of this chapter and are not examined.