La Linterna: Clinical Model for Trauma-Exposed, Migrant Children

• Published in: Psychological trauma 2024-08, Vol.16 (S2), p.S340-S348
• Main Authors: Harlow, John, Cruz, Natalie C., Celada-Dalton, Teresa, Cederbaum, Julie A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adverse Childhood Experiences; Case Management; Child; Childhood Adversity; Clinical Models; Emigrants and Immigrants - psychology; Family; Human; Humans; Immigration; Interdisciplinary Treatment Approach; Los Angeles; Mental Health Services; Pediatrics; Primary Health Care; Psychological Trauma - ethnology; Psychological Trauma - therapy; Transients and Migrants - psychology; Trauma; Trauma-Informed Care; Vulnerable Populations - psychology
• ISSN: 1942-9681; 1942-969X; 1942-969X
• DOI: 10.1037/tra0001415

Objective. Exposure to childhood adversity is increasingly recognized as an important topic in pediatric medicine and a powerful driver of adult disease burden. While significant evidence exists that early intervention is critical for children exposed to adversities, few models have been established for addressing the complex medical, psychological, and social needs of these patients in a holistic manner. Method. La Linterna is an interdisciplinary clinical initiative providing trauma-informed primary care, mental health treatment, immigration legal counsel, and comprehensive case management to children (and their families) exposed to adversities throughout the migration process. Started in 2019, the clinic serves immigrant families throughout the city of Los Angeles. Described as the process of implementing an interdisciplinary, trauma-informed practice to meet the medical, mental health, social care needs of this uniquely vulnerable patient population. Results. Strong evidence exists in the medical literature arguing for the implementation of a holistic, trauma-informed model of patient care. We describe "principles" and "lessons learned" during implementation, as well as detail an approach to improving services to immigrant families who have experienced adversities via an interactive, patient-centered process. Conclusions. Trauma-informed care is critical for meeting the needs of vulnerable children and their families. La Linterna represents an innovative and effective way to enhance care for one of the most vulnerable United States populations, immigrant and refugee families. Implementation of all or some of the program's components is possible throughout the United States and would mark an improvement over current practice. Clinical Impact StatementWith an increase in children arriving in the United States as immigrants and refugees, more providers of pediatric primary care, mental health care, and other services are likely to encounter such patients in their practice. The patient population has unique healthcare needs and vulnerabilities, including exposure to adverse childhood experiences at an incredibly high rate, and novel and effective models are needed to help promote health. This article provides insight into the implementation of one such model, and can assist interested parties in other settings to conceptualize and develop their own approach to this growing need within the community.