DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Yuly Mera

LCSW. MSW

A Holistic Approach to Support the Wellbeing of Undocumented Hispanic Individuals Living in the United States: A Matter of Policy Changes in Health Care.

Concentration - Clinical Social Work

Abstract

The presentation aims to provide a comprehensive overview of research findings focused on improving equitable access to healthcare for undocumented Hispanic individuals. It will highlight various concerns that underline the need for further exploration and intervention to address the population’s mental health needs. The research specifically examines the societal barriers undocumented Hispanic immigrants face and the limitations they encounter in accessing mental healthcare. Based on the recognized findings, the presentation will propose a new framework designed to enhance both access and quality of care for undocumented Hispanic immigrants. By integrating this framework as a holistic approach, clinical social workers will have the opportunity to adopt more inclusive and effective practices when assisting the population, which will, at the same time, help create a more equitable healthcare system. The presentation will also emphasize the critical role of clinical social workers in advocating for policy change and providing appropriate culturally competent practices to effectively meet the mental health needs of the undocumented Hispanic immigrants living in the United States.

Biography

Yuly Mera is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker who received both her bachelor’s and master’s in social work from the University of South Florida. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky, specializing in Clinical Social Work. Her dissertation focuses on highlighting the necessity to assist undocumented Hispanic individual in obtaining mental health care. Her capstone project, titled “A Holistic Approach to Supporting the Mental Health Wellbeing of Undocumented Hispanics Living in the United States: A Matter of Policy Changes in Health Care,” explores findings in the literature that demonstrate the need for equitable healthcare to address the mental health needs of undocumented immigrants. Her research aims to emphasize the significance of initiating changes to improve the availability of mental health services for the undocumented Hispanic population.

Yuly Mera operates as a mental health therapist in her private practice and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida. Throughout her professional career, she has worked with diverse populations in various community settings, gaining substantial experience working with Hispanic individuals. This experience has equipped her with essential skills to collaborate and provide support for their diverse life challenges. Looking ahead, she aims to continue her professional journey by serving disadvantaged populations and assisting other professionals in initiating advocacy practices to support the most vulnerable communities.