Germán Cadenas

The inaugural CYSEW Associate Director is Dr. Germán A. Cadenas, an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology in the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP). Dr. Cadenas identifies as an immigrant from Latin America and his academic work is community-based, with intersecting foci on the psychology of immigration and on critical consciousness as a tool for social justice. This includes the development and validation of strategies to support the psychological well-being, education, career/work, and health of immigrants and other underserved communities. He is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Counseling Psychology and serves on the Advocacy Coordinating Committee (ACC) of the American Psychological Association.

Publications:

• Cadenas, G.A., Sosa, R., Mora Ringle, V., Aguilar, C., Akoto, M., Bahadori Fallah, Mohammad, & Hamilton, K. (Accepted). Practice guidelines for ALIVE co-mentoring: An approach to liberating psychology education and training from the inside out. American Psychologist.

• Cadenas, G. A., Nienhusser, K., *Sosa, R., & Moreno, O. (2024). Immigrant students’ mental health and intent to persist in college: The role of undocufriendly campus climate. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 30(1), 54– 60. https://doi.org/10.1037/cdp0000564

• Cadenas, G.A., Autin, K., Garcia, E. (2023). Social justice activism and critical agency among undocumented students: Coping mediators between discrimination and depression. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/dhe0000495

Media Appearances/Speaking Engagements:

• Cadenas, G.A. (2024, April). Promoting Mental Health Equity Among Immigrants Globally. Invited Speaker at the 17th Annual Psychology Day at the United Nations. https://www.psychologydayun.com/eventspeakers

• Patel, S., Cadenas, G.A., Kia-Keating, M. (2024, August). Advocating for and with immigrant populations. In de las Fuentes, C. (Chair), Psychological science on the frontlines of the U.S. immigration landscape. Presidential Programming Symposium, Featured Stage, American Psychological Association Convention, Seattle, WA.

• Cadenas, G.A. (2024, February). Thriving as a scholar-activist: setting intentions for action and collective healing. Keynote presented for the BIPOC Affirming and Mentoring program; Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Tulane University

Previous Organizations: 

• Center for Youth Social Emotional Wellness

• Latinx Immigrant Health Alliance

• American Psychological Association

Accomplishments:

• Invited to the White House for diaspora event

• Special Recognition of Leadership and Appreciation (2023), Society of Counseling Psychology

• Distinguished Professional Early Career Award by the National Latinx Psychological Association (2022)

Upcoming Projects:

• Cadenas, G.A., Rodriguez Vega, Iyer, S., Silamongkol, T., Berenshteyn, R., Lowe, S. (Under Review). Barriers and bridges: Systemically impacted immigrant artists reflect on addressing career opportunities and mental health.

• Cadenas, G.A., *Sosa, R., Tule-Romain, L., & Carrizales, V. (In preparation). Empowered with information and flourishing psychologically: A preliminary study examining a school-based program for undocumented youth and families

• Cadenas, G.A., Nienhusser, K., & Moreno, O. The Longitudinal Impact of Immigration State Policies on the Mental Health of Latinx Immigrant Emerging Adults: The Role of Decent Work and Discrimination. NIH R01 Grant Proposal Under Review.