Beyond instrument selection: cultural considerations in the psychological assessment of U.S. Latinas/os

Currently the second largest U.S. ethnic group, U.S. Latinas/os are projected to continue increasing as a proportion of the U.S. population over the next century. The culturally competent psychological evaluation of U.S. Latinas/os requires both the use of instruments that are adequately validated in that population and the adequate consideration of culturally linked factors known to influence the assessment process and its findings. This article makes foundational recommendations in this second area, organizing them along 4 stages of professional practice in psychological assessment. Consultation with qualified professionals is discussed as being important in ensuring the accurate and ethical psychological assessment of U.S. Latinas/os at all stages of professional practice. Keywords: psychological assessment, cultural sensitivity, multiculturalism, Hispanic, Latinos