The Importance of Culturally Responsive Care
We are all human, however, each of us are unique. Each individual person has had a different background, upbringing and experience in the world; all which have shaped who they are today. Taking this into account, each and every person has a right have their unique qualities and experiences seen and acknowledged–especially when in their mental health care. As mental health providers, we see a diverse group of people come through our offices and in order to serve them in the best way possible, our practices must be diverse, as well. This is why H.E.L.P. LLC prides ourselves in offering culturally responsive mental health care and assist other mental health and learning professionals in doing so as well.
What is Culturally Responsive Care?
Culturally responsive care is an acknowledgement, appreciation and consideration of culture, race, ethnicity, intergenerational effects and the role they play in the psychological, emotional, socioeconomic well-being and worldview of each client. This is an intentional and consistent action made by the mental health care provider to take how these factors shape the client’s experiences and acknowledge their intersectional existence in the world.
Culturally responsive care aims to address the disparities in mental health care, learning environments, work environments and more. Being culturally responsive is the provider’s ability to recognize how a person’s background and culture plays a large role in their belief systems, values, language, and norms which, in turn, affect the aspects of their day-to-day lives. This type of treatment allows both the client and provider the ability to adjust and adapt treatment methods to meet the client’s individual needs within their cultural framework.
Why is culturally responsive care important?
Clinicians lacking cultural competence, possessing bias or showing a disregard for cultural effects can often lead to misdiagnoses or under-diagnosis, discrimination and overall misguided treatments that are unhelpful, or even damaging, to the client. However, lack of cultural inclusivity doesn’t just affect mental health care, it can pose negative effects in a multitude of settings, primarily in work and education. A lack of cultural competency can often perpetuate racism and discrimination in schools and the workplace, which can often make it incredibly difficult for people of colour to succeed.
Studies have found that drawing from students’ cultural knowledge and norms contributes favorably to reading comprehension and mathematical thinking. Culturally responsive teachers have the ability to connect academic concepts to the everyday lives of their students create an environment for more meaningful education practices that all students are able to connect with. Additionally, providing culturally responsive practices allows for the feeling of safety and belonging among all staff, students and community members.
How do I incorporate cultural responsiveness in my practice?
If you are looking to create a more culturally responsive work, education or mental health environment, we are here to H.E.L.P! Healing & Empowering Learning Professionals works with educators in the Chicago, IL area to help increase cultural competency and solution-focused care through consulting, training and our social emotional learning (S.E.L.) practices. If you are looking for support, contact us or visit our services page to learn more about our school-based and consulting services.
