Culturally Responsive Treatment Approaches: Why They Matter in Healthcare
Eddie Sackey
BA, MEd (Candidate)
As we live in an increasingly diverse society, it is essential for healthcare professionals to provide culturally responsive treatments. Culturally responsive treatment considers a client’s unique experiences, values, and needs while incorporating inclusive and effective care strategies (Hays, 2016). Integrating cultural awareness into treatment and every aspect of the mental health field ensures that those receiving care feel heard and respected. Additionally, culturally responsive treatment contributes to the development of a compassionate and equitable healthcare system.
What Is Culturally Responsive Treatment?
Culturally responsive treatment seeks to modify healthcare services in manner that aligns with patients’ cultural beliefs, identities and experiences. This approach is adaptable and acknowledges how cultural influences shape an individual’s perception of health and illness.
Key Principles of Culturally Responsive Treatment
1. Cultural Awareness and Humility
Health care providers should engage in ongoing self-reflection to recognize the personal biases.
Awareness of how one’s culture may impact their experience with a health care provider.
Adopting a posture of cultural humility fosters openness and continuous learning.
2. Intersectionality
Recognizing the role that ADDRESSING (age/generational influences, developmental or other disability, religion and spiritual orientation, ethnic and racial identity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, indigenous heritage, national origin, and gender) plays in a client experience and presenting issues (Hays, 2016).
Recognition that treatment must be adaptable rather than one-size-fits-all.
3. Integrating Cultural Beliefs and Practices into Treatment
Respecting traditional healing and spiritual beliefs.
Collaborating with community leaders to improve care effectiveness.
4. Healthcare Accessibility and Equity
Addressing language barriers and financial limitations that may prevent access to care.
Providing interpretation services and outreach programs to help bridge healthcare gaps.
Qualities of a Culturally Responsive Provider
Possess a foundational knowledge of multicultural issues and the manner their impact on various cultures
Understands how unique cultural factors may present in the therapeutic space (Tummala-Narra, 2022)
Maintains a therapeutic alliance that fosters mutuality and collaboration
Engages in continued training to understand diverse cultures in order enhance clinical practice
Demonstrates a willingness to address uncomfortable topics in pursuit of better care (Zigarelli et al., 2022).
Final Thoughts
Culturally responsive treatment is essential in modern healthcare. By embracing cultural humility and adapting treatment approaches, providers ensure that all individuals receive respectful, personalized care. As communities evolve, healthcare must become more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate for all.
References
Hays, P. A. (2016). Culturally responsive therapy: An integrative approach. (3rd ed., pp. 227–255). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. doi:10.1037/14801-010
Zigarelli, J. C., Jones, J. M., Palomino, C. I., & Kawamura, R. (2016). Culturally responsive cognitive behavioral therapy: Making the case for integrating cultural factors in evidence-based treatment. Clinical Case Studies, 15(6), 427–442. doi:10.1177/1534650116664984
Tummala-Narra, P. (2022). Can We Decolonize Psychoanalytic Theory and Practice? Psychoanalytic Dialogues, 32(3), 217-234. https://doi.org/10.1080/10481885.2022.2058326