National Award Recognizes Center's Work in Advancing Minority Health

CHICAGO, May 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the nation's largest and fastest growing ethnic group, Latinos have consistently lacked access to culturally competent health care professionals who understand the unique needs facing that population. In 2007, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology set out to change that, with the launch of the Center for Latino Mental Health, housed at the school's Chicago campus. The American Psychiatric Foundation recently recognized the Center with an award for its efforts to increase public awareness of and secure quality and comprehensive mental healthcare for Latinos.

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"We are pleased to present an award for Advancing Minority Health to the Center for Latino Mental Health," said Dr. Richard K. Harding, president of the American Psychiatric Foundation. "We congratulate the Center for organizing an effective and sustainable program for research, education and community service that advances the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health disorders in the Latino/a population."

The Center's education initiatives have included the development of a Latino Mental Health concentration within the Masters in Clinical Counseling degree offered by The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. The concentration, which also offers immersion programs in Puerto Rico and Mexico, prepares students to provide culturally-sensitive therapy to the Latino/a population. In addition, the Center recently helped place 60 graduate students at Chicago-area social service agencies that serve Latinos, to provide mental health services and conduct research. Through a grant from the Chicago Community Trust, the Center is making connections with local mental health providers and training them in Latino/a cultural sensitivities.

"It is an honor to receive such an important recognition," said Dr. Hector Torres, assistant professor and coordinator of the Center for Latino Mental Health. "We are excited about and grateful for the Foundation's support for our continued work in education, research and community service to advance Latino/a mental health."

The award, which includes a $5,000 check, will be presented May 24 during the American Psychiatric Association annual meeting in New Orleans.

About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Founded in 1979, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is the nation's leading nonprofit graduate school dedicated exclusively to the applications of psychology and related behavioral sciences. The school is an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology, which has recognized The Chicago School for its distinguished service and outstanding contributions to cultural diversity and advocacy. The Chicago School's community service initiatives have resulted in three consecutive years of recognition on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service to disadvantaged youth. In 2009, the school was named to The Chronicle of Higher Education's annual list of "Great Colleges to Work For." Campuses are located in Chicago; in Los Angeles, Westwood and Irvine, California; and a new campus is proposed for Washington, D.C.  Programs are offered on-ground and in an online-blended format. For more information about TCSPP, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/gradpsychology. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thechicagoschool.

For more information about The Chicago School, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu

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Hector Torres, Psy.D.

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SOURCE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

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