Cultural Sensitivity: What Should We Understand About Latinos?

The Latino population is increasing at a rate far surpassing the capacity needed to understand and respond to their mental health needs. In the next 20 years, Latinos will account for one in every three persons born in the USA. According to the Pew Hispanic Center one in every four newborns is Latino and by 2050, 82 % of US growth will be attributed to the Latino population. Latinos make up the fastest-growing population segment of the USA; estimated at 50.5 million in 2010, Latinos are projected to comprise 30 % of the total US population by 2050. This dramatic demographic shift raises questions about whether or not mental health systems will be able to address the needs of this rapidly growing and diverse Latino population.