Hispanic Psychiatry Clinic

Clinical Services

The Hispanic Psychiatry Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital is a resident-led initiative that provides specialized psychiatric clinical service designed to provide advanced clinical care to monolingual Spanish-speaking patients. Our clinic is located on the 8th floor of the Wang Building, and it is staffed by Spanish-speaking psychiatry residents and staff psychiatrists who have received specialized training. The mission of the Hispanic Psychiatry Clinic is to promote professional education of Hispanic psychiatry trainees, and improve access to high quality mental health care for Spanish speaking patients.

One of the primary goals of the Hispanic Psychiatry Clinic is to foster partnerships and collaborations between primary care physicians and other specialists providing care for Hispanic Spanish patients. This interdisciplinary approach to care ensures that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care that is tailored to their specific needs and cultural background.

In addition to delivering clinical care, members of the Hispanic Psychiatry Clinic actively engage in research and education. The clinic is dedicated to advancing our understanding and treatment of mental health conditions in Hispanic populations. Additionally, the clinic offers valuable training opportunities for psychiatry residents and other mental health professionals who are interested in working with Hispanic patients. The training program aims to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide culturally sensitive and effective care to Hispanic Spanish patients.

Referring Providers

Our comprehensive approach to psychiatric services involves assessing each patient's unique needs and tailoring treatment plans accordingly. This may involve prescribing appropriate medications, closely monitoring their effectiveness, and making adjustments as necessary. Additionally, our skilled clinicians provide psychotherapy, utilizing evidence-based techniques to address the psychological and emotional aspects of mental health concerns.

The referral process from primary care physicians and specialists is vital in facilitating a coordinated and cohesive treatment approach. By closely collaborating with referring providers, we ensure that patients receive integrated care that addresses their specific psychiatric needs while considering any underlying medical conditions.

The Hispanic Psychiatry Clinic is committed to delivering high-quality psychiatric services by leveraging our expertise, working in tandem with referring providers, and prioritizing the well-being of our patients.

Mass General Primary Care Providers, or providers from specialty clinics, can refer adult patients, who designate Spanish as their sole language of expression, for psychopharmacology or psychotherapy services via the PTIS Epic referral. You can also contact our clinic coordinator: Manuela Quintero Balbin (617-643-7998).

The clinic plays a vital role in equipping residents with the requisite knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional care to Hispanic monolingual Spanish-speaking patients. To further enhance residents' education, the clinic facilitates monthly didactic sessions featuring guest speakers who specialize in the delivery of mental health care within Hispanic communities. These sessions focus on providing valuable insights, evidence-based practices, and emerging trends specific to serving the Hispanic patient population. This empowers residents to provide high-quality and culturally responsive care.

By establishing the Hispanic Psychiatry Resident Clinic, we are investing in the development of a new generation of psychiatrists who possess the expertise and sensitivity necessary to meet the mental health needs of Hispanic patients effectively. This transformative approach contributes to reducing healthcare disparities and promoting equitable access to high quality psychiatric care.

Research

Conducting a thorough evaluation of the Hispanic Psychiatry Resident Clinic's effectiveness is crucial in assessing the impact of this intervention on trainees' competence and confidence in providing culturally appropriate care to Hispanic patients. This research has the potential to identify areas for enhancement and inform the implementation of similar programs at other healthcare institutions.

In addition, we are actively collecting patient referral data to gain insights into the specific needs of the monolingual Spanish-speaking patient population seeking care at our clinic within Mass General. This data will serve as a valuable resource in guiding the development of future clinical services, ensuring that we can effectively address the unique requirements of the Hispanic community.