Cuénteme

2026 Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) American Inhouse Design Award Winner

Cuénteme: Spanish for Mental Health Professionals is designed to help English-speaking students in mental health degrees improve their Spanish proficiency in a professional context. Designed to foster effective communication with Spanish-speaking clients, the textbook introduces technical vocabulary commonly used in psychological practice, as well as relevant grammatical structures. Both are contextualized through real-world written exercises and oral communication practice.

The book guides readers in discussing topics such as basic psychology, mental health in the Latinx community in the United States, domestic violence, adolescent psychology, behavioral disorders, and suicidal behavior with Spanish-speaking patients. Each chapter includes sections focused on grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, conversational practice, music, and a brief cultural note. These components help students expand their vocabulary and enhance their ability to be clearly understood by their patients.

Cuénteme is ideal for intermediate-level Spanish courses (based on ACTFL standards) that focus on Spanish for healthcare professionals. It is also a valuable resource for social workers and mental health practitioners who work with Spanish-speaking communities and need a grammatical and lexical reference.

Cuénteme: Spanish for Mental Health Professionals está orientado para el estudiante anglófono en disciplinas relacionadas con la salud mental, con el objetivo de mejorar su dominio del español profesional. Este manual enseña el vocabulario técnico típico de la práctica psicológica, así como gramática relevante para la comunicación con pacientes hispanohablantes. Tanto uno como otro se aprenden mediante ejercicios escritos y práctica oral basados en situaciones reales.

Esta obra ofrece una introducción a temas como la psicología en general, la salud mental en la comunidad Latinx de los Estados Unidos, la violencia doméstica, la psicología adolescente, los trastornos del comportamiento y la conducta suicida en pacientes hispanohablantes. Cada capítulo incluye secciones centradas en la gramática, el vocabulario, la lectura, la escritura, la práctica conversacional, canciones y también un breve apunte cultural. Esta combinación permite al estudiante aumentar su vocabulario y mejorar su comunicación con el paciente.

Cuénteme es ideal para programas de español con enfoque en la salud a nivel intermedio (según ACTFL). Aquellos asistentes sociales y profesionales de la salud mental que ya estén atendiendo a comunidades hispanohablantes también encontrarán en este texto una valiosa referencia gramatical y léxica.

A Statement from the Author in Recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month 2026

"Bilingual mental health clinicians often report difficulty explaining psychological concepts in Spanish and English, particularly when communicating abstract ideas or using metaphorical language. These challenges frequently stem from training received primarily in English, which can limit access to equivalent technical terminology in the other language. Additionally, many clinicians find themselves internally translating their thoughts during sessions, which can disrupt communication and affect confidence. As a result, some may feel less competent or worry about appearing unprofessional to their patients. Cuénteme is a language manual designed for bilingual practitioners who seek to strengthen their Spanish-language skills and deepen their understanding of their Latine patients. This resource aims to reduce linguistic barriers and promote more culturally congruent mental health care for Hispanic communities."