“Many of the families we serve require bilingual/bicultural staff that are able to communicate in a meaningful way to Spanish-speaking parents and children. Antioch University’s Latino Mental Health MACP concentration has been a hugely beneficial resource.”
Thomas M. Sodergren
Director of Community Services
Casa Pacifica, Centers for Children & Families
“As Director of Community Based Services for Casa Pacifica, I have had the pleasure of overseeing our programs in Santa Barbara County for the past 5 years. We provide MediCal services to children and families of low income/no income households in Santa Maria , Santa Barbara, Lompoc, Guadalupe, Santa Ynez Valley, Carpentaria and many other towns in our county. All of our programs are designed to keep children with their families and in their communities by providing quality mental health services in homes, schools, foster placements, or wherever we can help. Through Therapeutic Behavioral Services(TBS), SB 163 Wraparound Services, and our 24/7 mobile crisis response services(S.A.F.T.Y.) we provide services to over 300 youth and families per month on average. Many of the families we serve are Spanish speaking only and require Bilingual/Bicultural staff that are able to communicate in a meaningful way to parents and children who may not understand the mental health issues that are affecting their families. It is critical that we have clinically educated staff who understand the fear and concerns that can put up barriers to Latino families accessing services for their children.
Over half of Casa Pacifica’s direct care staff are Bilingual/Bicultural and many have graduated from Antioch University in their Latino Mental Health concentration for an MFT degree. Of those graduates, 5 have received stipends from the MFT Consortium of California and are currently working for Casa Pacifica providing services throughout the county to underserved and disenfranchised youth and families. Antioch University has been a hugely beneficial resource for future staff who are introduced to our community based services as possible employees and also to staff who already work for Casa Pacifica who want to pursue their quest for a graduate degree and a career in public mental health. Casa Pacifica strongly supports the stipend program that is offered to Latino MFT graduates of Antioch University Santa Barbara and recognizes the quality mental health service providers that have benefitted from this generous offering. ”
Thomas M. Sodergren
Director of Community Services
Casa Pacifica, Centers for Children & Families
“Providing Hope and Help”
Santa Barbara County Division
(805) 319-7501
tsodergren[at]casapacifica.org
