Cultural Competence

Developing Cultural Competence

More needs to be done in assisting service providers to become culturally competent. Increased opportunities should be provided for ongoing staff development and for employing multicultural staffs. Improved culturally valid assessment tools are also needed. Research to determine the effectiveness of programs that serve consumers from a variety of cultural backgrounds needs to be incorporated in all program or service planning.

For many programs, cultural competence represents a new way of thinking about the philosophy, content, and delivery of mental health services. Becoming culturally competent is a dynamic process that requires cultural knowledge and skill development at all service levels including policymaking, administration, and practice. Even the concept of a mental disorders may reflect varying cultural beliefs.

Culturally competent programs incorporate the following at the policy level:

• Appoint board members from the community so that voices from all groups within the community participate in decisions;
• Actively recruit multiethnic and multiracial staff;
• Provide ongoing staff training and support developing cultural competencies;
• Develop and promote standards for culturally competent services;
• Obtain evidence of cultural competence when contracting for services;
• Support new community-based multicultural programs;
• Support the development of cultural competence on provider licensure and certification examinations; and
• Support the development of culturally appropriate assessment instruments for psychological tests and interview guides.

Culturally competent administrators:

• Include cultural competency requirements in staff job descriptions and discuss the importance of cultural awareness and competency with potential employees;
• Ensure that all staff participates in regular cultural competency training;
• Promote programs that respect and incorporate cultural differences;and
• Consider whether the facility’s location, hours, and staffing are accessible and its physical appearance respectful of different cultural groups.

Practitioners who are culturally competent:

• Learn as much as they can about an individual’s or families culture, while recognizing the influence of their own background;
• Include neighborhood and community outreach efforts;
• Work within each person’s family structure;
• Recognize, accept, and incorporate the role of natural supports/helpers when appropriate;
• Understand the different expectations people may have about the way services are offered;
• Adhere to traditions relating to gender and age that may play a part communicating with the consumer.