Developing a community-based culturally congruent mental health practice

Studies show the benefits of culturally sensitive methods of care and treatment for minorities utilizing mental health services. Culturally sensitive care is thought to take into account a person's specific cultural values and preferences when providing mental health care services. As diverse populations expand, concerns about the provision of health services to this population become a more salient issue. Determining culturally based methods of care that align with patient values and preferences has remained a focal point in mental health services provision. Treatment preferences could reflect personal characteristics, acculturation perspective about mental health issues and illness and experience with treatment for differing cultural groups. Treatment preferences could also be influenced by mass media. Identifying culturally preferred treatment will be crucial in providing culturally sensitive care to persons of diverse backgrounds. Achieving patient-centered care in mental health services begins with understanding patient values and preferences and adapting services to meet needs, as well as align with, values and preferences.

This prsentation will review the methods to develop a Community-Based Culturally-congruent Mental health program for the diverse persons receiving care at your community mental health center. By appropriately surveying the target population- focus group type activities, surveys and internet communication, providers can determine the specific needs of their mental health population. Focus will then be placed on identifying key elements needed to provide a culturally congruent mental health system of care for this group. Discussion on the recruitment, administration, implementation and evaluation of culturally congruent will be reviewed in open forum