Development of a cognitive behavioral therapy with integrated mindfulness for Latinx immigrants with co-occurring...

Transdiagnostic interventions have been increasingly used in the management of a variety of mental health and substance use conditions, and in the context of chronic stress. We discuss the development and evaluation of the Integrated Intervention for Dual Problems and Early Action (IIDEA), a 10-session manualized intervention that includes cognitive therapy and mindfulness practice designed to improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and co-occurring substance use problems. In this secondary analysis of a randomized-controlled trial of IIDEA conducted with an international sample of immigrant Latinx in the United States and Spain, we evaluate intermediate outcomes-mindful awareness, working alliance with clinician and illness self-management-and integrate statistical findings with results from qualitative interviews with participants. The IIDEA intervention group showed higher levels of mindful awareness, illness self-management, and working alliance over an enhanced treatment as usual control group (usual treatment plus scheduled assessments) and qualitative data offer insights into the importance of therapeutic alliance and integration of mindfulness practice with cognitive therapy management skills. Findings suggest that skills related to the studied intermediary outcomes can be helpful for Latinx immigrants experiencing circumstances of ongoing exposure to adversity and traumatic stress. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).