Chicano/Latino drop out was investigated in a qualitative study, conducting focus group interviews with Chicano/Latinos who had dropped out of high school. Participant responses revealed themes of alienation and discrimination in the school setting. The roles of school counselors as multicultural advocates and community-family-school liaisons are discussed.

In April 2005, the International Association for Marriage and Family Counseling’s yearly Distinguished Speakers series at the American Counseling Association Conference featured a presentation on family counseling with Mestizo/Latino immigrants. A panel composed of Latino counseling professionals representing varied Mestizo backgrounds discussed their personal and professional experiences surrounding the Mestizo/Latino diaspora. This article discusses population definitions, contextual variables, and demographics regarding Mestizos/Latinos, along with life transition issues and ethnic-heritage themes. A psychohistorical approach to family counseling is presented, and illustrative vignettes, including personal anecdotes by the conference presenters/authors, are provided. Recommendations for practice are offered.

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