Trauma-Informed Bioethics: An Ethical Analysis of Mental Health Care in the U.S. Latinx Immigrant Population

Abstract

Immigration is a highly politicized topic increasingly on the forefront of the nation’s consciousness. Though news media and academia have drawn attention to evidence of physical health needs of undocumented immigrants being compromised due to their documentation status, relatively less attention is brought to their mental health needs. The purpose of this paper is to review literature about the mental health care needs of immigrants and refugees to the United States, with a particular focus on recent adult immigrants from Latin America and their youth, who may directly or indirectly suffer trauma related to deportation, violence, family separation and/or loss. This paper serves to provide ethical arguments for increased awareness, education and resources towards trauma-informed, culturally sensitive mental health care for immigrants and refugees to the United States. The ultimate aim of this paper is to provide its readers with essential information regarding the impact of trauma and cultural identity in the mental health care (or lack thereof) of Latinx immigrants.