Dr. Sandra Espinoza, PsyD, LMFT

Dr. Sandra Espinoza, PsyD, LMFT (she/her) is an Associate Professor and Branch Director of the Couple and Family Therapy program at Alliant International University in Los Angeles. A bilingual therapist and second-generation Mexican-American, Dr. Espinoza integrates cultural humility, social justice, anti-oppressive, anti-carceral approaches, and advocacy in her scholarship, teaching, and practice. She maintains a small private practice supporting mostly interracial couples and Latinx clients. She has over 14 years of clinical experience working with the undocumented community and has presented on the topic of immigration and deportation at both local and national levels. She is also deeply grounded in her roles as a mother, partner, and daughter, which continue to inform her work and commitment to her work. 

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Working with Individuals and Families Impacted by ICE Raids/Deportation  

Friday | May 1, 2026
8:00 am - 9:30 am
(1.5 CEs)

Description:

This session equips clinicians with the knowledge and tools to effectively support undocumented clients and families impacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) separations and deportation. Emphasizing culturally responsive, socio-culturally attuned care, the workshop will guide clinicians in developing treatment approaches that center and affirm the lived experiences of individuals and families navigating the threat or reality of deportation. Mental health professionals will gain practical skills and interventions tailored to the unique challenges faced by this community.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Identify a treatment approach for individuals and families who are at risk of, or have experienced, forced separation due to immigration enforcement and systemic factors.
• Identify at least two responses and reactions to better support the ethical treatment of undocumented individuals and families.  
• Demonstrate increased cultural sensitivity in working with undocumented families and learn at least two culturally attuned interventions for clinical treatment.