A modern, trauma-informed framework for multicultural family practice.

The fifth edition equips readers with a clear framework for engaging diverse families across the lifespan. Written for emerging and experienced practitioners alike, it supports thoughtful assessment, ethical decision-making, and culturally responsive engagement. Content is presented in an accessible, student-friendly voice that strengthens confidence and prepares readers for effective practice in today’s helping professions. Unlock your free eBook with your print purchase—accessible anytime on Springer Publishing Connect!

What’s New:

Added case studies and discussion questions in each chapter to promote student engagement and applied learning
Updated chapters reflecting current cultural competence, trauma-informed, and ethical standards
Expanded coverage of intersectionality, cultural humility, and self-care
Aligned diagnostic content with DSM‑5‑TR® and emerging practice directions
Strengthened focus on organizationalpractice and reducingworkplace microaggressions

Key Features:

Illustrates multicultural theory in practice through real-world family case material
Builds confidence through applying culturally responsive, evidence-informed interventions
Support learning with Instructor’s Manual, Instructor Test Bank, and chapter PowerPoint presentations
Written by authors with extensive experience as educators and multicultural practitioners

Contents

Contributors

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

Instructor Resources

PART I. OVERVIEW

Chapter 1. Using the Culturagram and an Intersectional Approach in Practice With Culturally Diverse Families

Chapter 2. Practice With Multiracial Individuals and Families

Chapter 3. Integrating Multicultural and Intersectionality Perspectives into the DSM-5-TR for the Latinx Community

Chapter 4. Evidence-Based Practice in Mental Health Care

PART II. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL PERSPECTIVES

Chapter 5. Managing Agencies for Multicultural Services

Chapter 6. Legal Issues in Practice With Immigrants and Refugees

PART III. LIFE CYCLE PERSPECTIVES

Chapter 7. The Multicultural Triangle of the Child, the Family, and the School: Culturally Competent Approaches

Chapter 8. Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Working With Adolescents

Chapter 9. Working With Culturally Diverse Older Adults

PART IV. PRACTICE WITH INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES FROM DIFFERENT RACIAL/ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS AND GENDER ORIENTATIONS

Chapter 10. Clinical Practice With African American Families: An Intersectional Perspective

Chapter 11. Clinical Practice With Hispanic Individuals and Families

Chapter 12. Practice With Asian Immigrant Families and Intergenerational Issues

Chapter 13. Practice With Native American Families

Chapter 14. Working With Middle Eastern Individuals and Families

Chapter 15. Practice With Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning/Queer (LGBTQ+) Individuals and Their Families

PART V. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES WITH MULTICULTURAL INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Chapter 16. Health Beliefs, Care, and Access of Individuals and Families from Diverse Backgrounds

Chapter 17. Religion and Spirituality in Culturally Diverse Families

Chapter 18. The Effect of Substance Abuse on Individuals and Families

Chapter 19. Practice With Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence

Chapter 20. Suicide Across Culturally Diverse Populations: Practice Considerations for Help-Seeking, Assessment, and Intervention With At-Risk Individuals

PART VI. ETHICAL ISSUES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Chapter 21. Ethical Issues and Future Directions

Index

Authors

Elaine P. Congress, DSW, MSW, MA, LCSW, is professor and associate dean at the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. At the United Nations, she represents three NGOs (Non-government Organizations), the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), the Institute of Multicultural Counseling and Education Services (IMCES), and Fordham University. Each year she oversees a group of Fordham graduate students at the United Nations. Dr. Congress is also a member of the executive committee of the NGO Committee on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, is vice-chair of the NGO Committee on Mental Health, and is active on the NGO Committee on Migration and the Committee on the Status of Women. She has served as the North American representative on the IFSW's Permanent Committee on Ethical Issues.

Manny John González, PhD, is an associate professor and program coordinator of the doctoral program at the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida.

Katie Schendel, LMSW, MSW, is a recent graduate from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service, where she received her Master of Social Work and Certification in Crisis and Resilience. At Fordham, she was recognized with the Ann Walsh Award for her commitment to social change.

Instructors

Suggested Courses: 

Generalist Practice with Individuals and Families
Social Work with Diverse Populations
Multiculturalism and Diversity

Included Instructor Resources: 

LMS Common Cartridge With All Instructor Resources
Instructor's Manual
Instructor Test Bank
Instructor Chapter PowerPoints
EPAS Competency Mapping
Transition Guide: Fourth Edition to Fifth Edition

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Product Details

Release Date: October 28, 2026
Paperback / softback
352 Pages
Trim Size: 7in x 10in

Number of Illustrations: 11
ISBN: 9780826160577
eBook ISBN: 9780826154279

Multicultural Perspectives in Working With Individuals and Families

A Practical Approach

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