Cultural competency in family therapy: Quantitative and qualitative findings in working with problem-behavior Asian/Pacific Islander adolescents

In the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shootings, the absolute necessity for culturally competent services in mental health can no longer be underestimated nor undervalued. Among immigrant families, inter-generational issues caused or amplified by differential assimilation within the same family may impact behavioral health. In addition to the usual challenges of adolescence in contemporary society, including struggles for independence and identity, immigrant youth must also negotiate the often-discordant rules and expectations at home as well as school and in the community.

This presentation will highlight findings from a Center for Substance Abuse Treatment -supported intervention offering therapy to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) families in San Mateo County, California. Using the Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) model from the University of Miami, agency therapists have engaged problem-behavior AAPI adolescents and their families in solution and culture-focused interventions. Overcoming the stigma of sharing family problems with non-family members is a high priority of this program because stigma is such a powerful deterrent to engaging in the therapy process.

We discuss the complex impact language and social roles have on the progress and flow of therapy with diverse Asian populations. We also describe collaboration between the various elements of the justice system and school districts in identifying, screening, assessing, and referring appropriate clients. This presentation will review quantitative data on client outcomes from sources such as CSAT GPRA, Addiction Severity Index (ASI), California Healthy Kids Survey, School data and records, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale III.