The importance of cultural competence in mental health care

In today’s diverse world, cultural competence in mental health care is not just a want, it’s a need. People of all different cultural backgrounds can experience mental health concerns, and it’s important for care providers to be able to understand and respect the cultural differences of their patients. During Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re talking about why cultural competence matters for people looking for quality mental health care.

 

What is cultural competence?


Cultural competence is the ability of care providers to consider the unique aspects of a person’s life that may affect their mental health or how they view it, including their background, beliefs, or values. Being culturally competent involves learning about different cultural practices and beliefs and developing approaches to treatment that respect these differences.

 

Why is cultural competence in mental health care important?

 

When your mental health provider understands your cultural differences, background, and values, your care experience can be more personalized and effective. Cultural competence helps build trust and communication between you and your care provider. And it helps ensure you get the care you need.

You may not realize it, but your background or culture has the potential to shape how you view and understand mental health as a whole. There may be:

  • Stigmas around mental health.
  • Differences in the way you describe symptoms.
  • Preferences for treatment.
  • Language barriers.
  • Differences in your ability to access care and resources.

A culturally competent mental health provider can take these factors into consideration as they develop treatment plans for their patients. On the other hand, a lack of cultural awareness can lead to misunderstandings, misdiagnoses, and patients who feel invalidated or disrespected, which could lead to them avoiding care altogether.

In fact, 1 in 4 adults said a negative experience with a care provider like unfair treatment, disrespect, or a language barrier led to worse health or made them less likely to seek care. And with Black adults being six times more likely to report unfair treatment or disrespect by a care provider than white adults, cultural incompetence only furthers the care imbalance people of color already face.

 

What to expect from a culturally competent mental health provider

 

A culturally competent mental health provider will actively work to make sure you’re comfortable and that your needs are met. They may:

  • Take the time to ask about your background.
  • Provide resources to accommodate differences in language or culture.
  • Actively listen and remain nonjudgemental.
  • Incorporate parts of your background into treatment.
  • Engage in continuous learning about cultural issues.

Check to make sure you understand them when they explain something about your care.

 

How to find culturally competent mental health care

 

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health and would like to talk to someone, here are a few tips on finding culturally competent care from the National Alliance on Mental Health.

  • Do your research. Ask trusted friends and family for recommendations or check with cultural organizations in your community for referrals. You can also call your health plan to see if they have a list of care providers that fit your background.
  • Ask questions. When you meet with a mental health provider ask them about:
    • Their experience treating people with your background.
    • Whether they’ve had cultural competency training.
    • If they’re bilingual or have resources to assist with language barriers.
    • How they may include aspects of your cultural identity or background into your care.
  • Set the tone. When you start treatment, discuss your cultural traditions, beliefs, and values with your care provider. Share your treatment preferences and your interest in learning how your condition specifically affects people in your community. If your care provider is uninterested or dismissive, you may want to see someone else.

If you or someone you love is in crisis, please don’t hesitate to call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

At the end of the day, differences in background, language, or culture shouldn’t determine your ability to receive quality mental health care. You deserve compassionate care with a mental health provider who acknowledges and understands the barriers you may be facing.