| Abstract: | At the root of effective mental health care is valid psychodiagnosis, premised upon accurate psychometric technology and sound clinical judgment. The majority of clinicians, however, are monolingual and White, which does today (and will increasingly) pose a problem for mental health service delivery—particularly for Hispanic patients. This article examines sources of ethnic and linguistic bias in evaluation of Hispanic clients. It is argued that even if unbiased assessment techniques can be developed, valid psychodiagnosis of Hispanic patients will remain illusory to the extent that clinicians are insensitive to the linguistic and cultural nuances of their clientele. Recommendations for improving clinical practice are offered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
