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Cultural Differences and Mental Health

Alexis Vogler, LPC
Counselor, Insight Clinical Counseling and Wellness, LLC

Culture plays a significant role in shaping mental health perspectives and practices. Each mental health professional must receive education to gain knowledge on different cultures and how some communities will have differing views on mental health treatment and social views. Regardless of the mental health professional’s own culture, they must remain as a non-biased figure in order to work with a client effectively. Understanding the connection between culture and mental health is essential for fostering effective mental health care, as well as ensuring that individuals feel seen, understood, and supported. These are some key points to consider: Values, Norms, Expression, Diagnoses, Stigma.

• Values and Traditions: Culture influences how mental health is perceived. In some cultures, mental health issues may be stigmatized or misunderstood, while in others, there might be a more open acceptance of psychological challenges. Traditional healing practices or religious beliefs may play a significant role in how individuals approach mental health problems.
• Norms and Expectations: Cultural expectations, such as societal norms around behavior, success, or family dynamics, can impact individuals’ mental well-being. For example, the pressure to conform to certain roles or achieve specific goals might lead to stress, anxiety, or depression.
• Emotional Expression: Different cultures have varying ways of expressing and managing emotions. Some cultures may encourage openness and emotional expression, while others may prioritize non-expressive reactions to emotion. This can influence how people cope with mental health struggles.
• Social Supports: Cultural norms about seeking help, either through family, community, or formal services, influence how people seek mental health care. In some cultures, for example, individuals may rely heavily on family support, whereas in other cultures, keeping any struggles to oneself is viewed more appropriate.
• Sensitivity in Diagnoses: Clinicians must be culturally competent to avoid misdiagnosing or misunderstanding symptoms that may appear different across cultures. For instance, some cultures may express anxiety through physical symptoms, which could be misunderstood if cultural factors aren’t considered. Making sure to discuss with your clinician about your culture is important so that cultural factors are considered.
• Accommodated Interventions: Mental health care must be tailored to reflect cultural practices, beliefs, and preferences. This might involve incorporating culturally relevant therapies, understanding specific stressors, or using culturally appropriate methods for communication.
• Stigmas: In many cultures, mental health issues carry a stigma, making it difficult for individuals to seek help or make/attend those initial appointments.
• Language Barriers: A lack of culturally competent language services can make it harder for individuals from diverse backgrounds to express their feelings or fully understand the treatment process. Insight has a translation service that can be used in sessions and conversions. Making sure the clinician/employee at Insight knows that a translator is needed is important for making sure the language barrier is accommodated. The translating service provides HIPAA compliant translators, meaning they provide complete confidentiality and protection.

Experiences of racism, sexism, homophobia, or other forms of discrimination can significantly impact mental health. Mental health professionals are educated to recognize and respect cultural differences and be adaptable in providing care that respects the client’s cultural values. This also involves discussing with your mental health professional the impact societal trauma has on you. Mental health is not experienced or expressed the same way across all cultures, and these cultural differences must be recognized to provide effective care. For clinicians, in order to improve mental health outcomes, it’s essential to adopt a holistic, culturally sensitive approach that acknowledges the unique values, practices, and challenges faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds. Integrating cultural perspectives into mental health care can help reduce stigma, improve engagement, and promote better psychological well-being for all individuals, regardless of their cultural background.

What to share with your clinician:

• Race
• Ethnicity
• Sexuality and Gender
• Religion
• Communities / activities you engage in
• Norms and values of your culture
• Discuss your mental health symptoms and how your peers/family may view your diagnosis
• Support Systems

How to make an appointment with Insight:

• Call intake department at (330) 397-6007
  • Intake department will gather information including insurance information, personal information, and any requests for preference of clinician/provider
• Insight Services:
  • Insight serves Columbiana and Mahoning Counties with locations in Austintown, Bergholz, Boardman, Canfield, Columbiana, East Liverpool, East Palestine, New Middletown, Salem, and Wintersville
• Services include:
  • Outpatient Counseling (individual, couples/marital, family)
  • Counseling Groups or Activities (on occasion)
  • Case Management
  • Wellness Services (Reiki, Sound Healing, Yoga, Breath Work, Nutrition, Fitness/Athletic Training)

See website for more information: www.insightclinicalcounseling.com