Adjunctive Therapies with Ethnically Diverse Populations

Aditi Vijay, Melanie P. Duckworth, Ireon Lebeauf

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

There are multiple components and domains to consider when working effectively with diverse populations, and diversity is not limited to ethnicity. The culturally competent provider needs to take mental health status and physical health issues into account when treating a client. This chapter focuses on the physical and mental health challenges faced by individuals of ethnically diverse groups as well as subsequent treatment-seeking behaviors. A number of different adjunctive treatments are utilized to manage a variety of physical and mental disorders. To effectively treat members of ethnically diverse populations, it is imperative that providers are knowledgeable about the possible adjunctive therapies that may be utilized. Health care providers who hope to retain persons from ethnically diverse backgrounds in treatment must create a therapeutic environment where diversity is accepted, rather than tolerated, and should find a way to integrate principles of cultural competency into standard health care practice. The health care provider who is culturally competent is able to provide insight regarding the influence of race and ethnicity on mainstream health care practices and adjunctive treatments, and is able to translate theory into practice, this translation manifested by the design and execution of culturally appropriate interventions. There are standards of multicultural competency that every health care provider should continually strive to adhere to as a professional. Culturally skilled therapists are aware of how their own cultural background and experiences have influenced attitudes, values, and biases and maintain a heightened awareness of the challenges that socio-race, racial identity development, gender bias, and age present for clients undergoing treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEvidence-Based Adjunctive Treatments
PublisherElsevier Inc.
Pages285-315
Number of pages31
ISBN (Print)9780120885206
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008

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