Cultural Considerations in Mental Health Treatment for Ethnic Minority Populations

This course examines development of cultural competency skills in mental health treatment. Several questions are addressed:

1. Why is there a need for cultural competency? This question is addressed by analyzing the research on mental health disparities that exist among ethnic minority groups.
2. What kinds of adaptations to treatment are needed? The role of various interventions (language, cultural knowledge, use of metaphors, etc.) is discussed.
3. Do cultural interventions work or are they a reflection of political correctness? What is the research evidence for their effectiveness?
4. How can we improve on our skills in working with people from differing cultural background? A tool kit is constructed that include steps for the personal development of cultural competency.
5. What are ongoing and future issues that have emerged from cultural competency?

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the role of culture in mental health treatment and assessment
2. Apply knowledge about the research involved in cultural competency
3. Develop a toolkit in working with people from different cultures
4. Connect research findings into self-awareness, informed interventions, and skills

Instructional Level

This CE program is free to Kaiser Permanente employees.
Instructional Methodology
Lecture
Audio/Visual
On-line Presentation

Continuing Education Information

Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Training Programs (KPMHTP) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. KPMHTP maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California Mental Health Training Programs designate this live activity for 2 hours continuing education credits for the above-identified licensed professionals.

Refund and Attendance Policy

This session is free to all Kaiser Employees. There is no known commercial support for this program. For questions and requests for information, please contact our program evaluator: supria.k.gill@kp.org

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Those who attend the program in full and complete the appropriate evaluation form will receive CE credits. Please note that credit will only be granted for those who attend the entire lecture.