Cultural Competence

Culture may be defined as a set of beliefs, values, behaviors, and way of life that informs individuals in their being and their relationships with others. Cultural competence for mental health professionals refers to the ability to have awareness, understanding, and knowledge of themselves and their clients as cultural beings and the skills to provide effective, culturally appropriate interventions. As communities become increasingly diverse, there is a greater demand and need for mental health professionals who can understand and work effectively with an ever-growing population with varying worldviews (i.e., personal attitudes, beliefs, values, and behaviors that may influence and affect interactions with others). This entry presents and discusses the development, significance, and dimensions of cultural competence and provides examples of cultural competency when working with ...