The legacy of slavery and systemic racism in America has had profound effects on the mental health of minority populations that persist to this day. After hundreds of years of oppression, violence, and dehumanization, certain cultural fears, anxieties, and traumas have become ingrained in many minority communities. As such, any successful approach to mental healthcare for people of color must be rooted in cultural sensitivity and understanding.
As a Black intellectual in America, I will think twice about getting any type of mental health care; if my provider doesn’t exhibit the qualities I am looking for when it comes to my mental health. Yes, bias has stood in the way of me receiving the type of mental care I longed for. It’s easy to call my mother, head to the bar with my friends, spend $125 for a 50-minute counseling session, and sedate myself with drugs.
At some point, those enabling behaviors must come off and I must as Katie Cannon (an American Christian theologian and ethicist associated with womanist theology and black theology) suggest “do the work my soul must have.” It is crucial to acknowledge that mental health concerns are not experienced uniformly across all demographics.
Racial and ethnic minorities often face unique challenges and disparities in accessing mental health care. Thus, a map displaying cultural sensitivity is necessary for breaking up the stigma-induced fallow ground of mental health.
Cultural Sensitivity
What does cultural sensitivity look like in the context of mental health? First, it requires recognizing that different cultures have different relationships to mental health issues due to their distinct experiences and histories. Counselors and psychiatrists should familiarize themselves with patients’ cultural backgrounds to understand their unique perspectives.
I wouldn’t mind working with a Caucasian Clinical Health professional given their track record of working with at least 50 African Americas and or minorities. It takes time to build up cultural sensitivity through a means of discussion. Having a black friend is an antiquated proposition when it comes to gaining a cultural pass for black acceptance.
Cultural sensitivity means incorporating elements of patients’ cultural identities into treatment plans wherever possible. For example, some evidence suggests that traditional healing practices derived from Native American and African traditions can complement modern psychiatric techniques for minorities.
Promoting Culturally Sensitive Mental Health Care:
To promote cultural sensitivity in mental health care, several key strategies should be considered. First, mental health professionals and providers must undergo training on cultural competence, enabling them to better understand and respond to the unique needs of racial and ethnic minorities. This training should encompass knowledge of cultural practices, historical traumas, and the influence of systemic racism.
Second, mental health organizations should actively collaborate with community leaders, organizations, and individuals from diverse backgrounds to co-create culturally sensitive interventions and services. This collaborative approach ensures that the solutions developed are grounded in lived experiences and are respectful of cultural values.
The Age of Digital Wellness:
In recent years, digital wellness tools have emerged as a promising avenue for expanding mental health support. However, the age of digital wellness must also prioritize cultural sensitivity to ensure equitable access and effectiveness for all. This entails developing technologies and platforms that are culturally responsive, considering the diverse backgrounds and experiences of racial and ethnic minorities.
Technology has given rise to a new modality of therapeutic services. A.I. therapy chatbots are now becoming the new norm when it comes to Therapy given the heavy hand of COVID-19. The tools are amazing and -evidence-based studies particularly from Woebot Health emphasize the effectiveness of therapeutic Chatbots.
The rise of telepsychiatry and digital mental health tools presents opportunities to increase access to culturally sensitive care. Online support groups can unite people facing similar struggles, regardless of location. Digital clinics can also train diverse, multilingual teams to provide counseling that accounts for cultural contexts. However, we must be mindful that the digital divide still impacts marginalized communities’ ability to access these technologies.
As we navigate the complexities of mental health care in the 21st century, it is imperative that we recognize the role of cultural sensitivity in addressing the mental health concerns of racial and ethnic minorities.
Making mental healthcare more inclusive for minorities will require systemic changes to address root cultural traumas. Cultural sensitivity is a concept practitioners should embrace now to help heal communities that have suffered for too long. We have come a long way in 500 years, but still have further to go on the path to racial justice and equity in mental health.
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This post was previously published on MEDIUM.COM.
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