Culturally sensitive clinical practices: A mixed methods study.

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to discover if and how clinicians integrate cultural factors into treatment, what specific 'culturally sensitive' practices clinicians utilize, and who clinicians use these practices with. In Study 1(N ϭ 9) qualitative interviews were conducted with psychologists who shared information about the culturally sensitive clinical practices that they utilize. Based on the results from Study 1, a survey was created for Study 2 and completed by 142 psychologists. There were three overriding conceptual themes that were generated from the analysis of the data regarding how clinicians provide culturally sensitive psychological services and what specific culturally sensitive clinical practices clinicians use when working with clients. It was evident from the data that the delivery of culturally sensitive services was best conceptualized as a process. The process began with being aware that cultural factors existed. This awareness led to the development of hypotheses, which guided the assessment process. Based on the results of the assessment process clinicians then tailored the services they provided to the unique characteristics of their clients. The quantitative results from Study 2 indicate that that the qualitative results from Study 1 are generalizable to a larger sample of psychologists. Results from Study 2 also indicated that the vast majority of participants indicated that they engaged in culturally sensitive clinical practices regardless of client minority-status. Impact StatementThe results from this study indicate that culturally sensitive clinical practices include being aware of cultural factors, using this awareness to guide the assessment process, and using the results from the assessment process to tailor services to the unique characteristics of their clients. Additionally, clinicians apply this process broadly to cultural groups (as opposed to reserving or restricting this process to a subset of clients from a particular cultural background).

The structural violence of DACA and youth resistance.

“…The disclosure of information required to apply for DACA, combined with uncertainty of future immigration reform, leaves applicants and their families at risk for future deportation. The possibility of "outing" undocumented family members creates a sense of fear among DACA recipients (Benuto et al, 2018). The 2017 executive order that prioritized all undocumented persons for deportation highlights the risks associated with applying for DACA (Trump, 2017).…”

Concurrent Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence and Trichotillomania From an Emotion Regulation Framework: A Case Study

“…This information is then used to make cultural adaptations as needed (Benuto et al, 2020). Clinicians may wish to review culturally-specific resources when working with clients from diverse backgrounds (i.e., Benuto et al, 2014, 2020).…”

Written Exposure Therapy: The Case for Latinos

“…This may be exacerbated in certain cultural contexts and with specific populations. Benuto, Newlands, Singer, Casas, & Cummings (2019). explored what specific culturally sensitive clinical practices practitioners engage in. Among these practices were logistical accommodations (including accommodations for the client based on his or her abilities), exhibiting flexibility, and making adjustments to treatment if the client is not improving.…”

“…While the intention of the clinician working on this case was not to culturally adapt an intervention, the adjustment to treatment to meet the needs of the client could be construed as such. Benuto, Newlands, Singer, Casas, and Cummings (2019) examined culturally sensitive clinical practices among psychologists and found that it is common for psychologists to make adjustments to treatment. Indeed, Koslofsky and Domenech Rodriguez (2016) discussed how, while in the context of the research arena (via grant-funded research), interventions are formally culturally adapted.…”

“…This may be exacerbated in certain cultural contexts and with specific populations. Benuto, Newlands, Singer, Casas, & Cummings (2019). explored what specific culturally sensitive clinical practices practitioners engage in.…”