Abstract
PurposeThe recognition of the importance of addressing cultural issues in psychotherapy and counseling has been increasing. The present paper seeks to contribute to the specification of multicultural competencies in the fields of counseling and clinical psychology, based on clients’ perspectives. In particular, its objectives were to explore the experiences of individuals of ethnic minority groups regarding their access to the Portuguese healthcare system and to identify the multicultural competencies of the clinicians (as perceived by the clients) which would be required to improve culturally sensitive treatments.Design/methodology/approachThe sample included 40 adults from different ethnic minority groups in Portugal – a total of 30 women and ten men – with a mean age of 34. Participants took part in one of eight focus groups, which were conducted using a semi‐structured interview plan.FindingsContent analysis revealed that, generally, participants had experienced discrimination in the healthcare system, and that mental healthcare was perceived as mixed (both positive and negative). Furthermore, participants identified specific aspects of multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills required of clinicians to provide culturally sensitive treatments, providing support for the tridimensional model of multicultural competencies.Originality/valueImplications are discussed for ethical guidelines and clinical training of counselors, clinical psychologists, and other social and health professionals in Europe.
Highlights
The recognition of the importance of attending to cultural issues in psychotherapy and counseling has been increasing, along with the diversity of most societies and clients seeking help in mental health services
Its objectives were (1) to explore the experiences of individuals of ethnic minority groups regarding their access to the Portuguese healthcare system and (2) to identify the multicultural competencies of the clinicians which would be required to improve culturally sensitive treatments
Results of a study by Cook and colleagues (2005), in which they assessed satisfaction of minority community members in Omaha showed that the majority of respondents were satisfied with the care they received
Summary
The recognition of the importance of attending to cultural issues in psychotherapy and counseling has been increasing, along with the diversity of most societies and clients seeking help in mental health services. Despite ongoing debates regarding the relevance of the cultural responsiveness of treatments and the processes of development of multicultural competencies (Arredondo & Perez, 2006), clinicians seem to recognize the need to be able to work with individuals different from themselves regarding values and behaviors based on ethnic origin, race, religion, language, age, gender, sexual orientation and (dis)ability (Daniel et al, 2004). Conceptualized as cultural sensitivity or responsiveness (Sue, Zane, Nagayama & Beger, 2009), definitions and perspectives on the meaning of cultural competence vary (Fields, 2010) Taken globally, they imply that practitioners in clinical settings and psychotherapy or other mental health services are able to demonstrate their ability to perform adequate and quality care to culturally diverse clients. Cultural competence has been defined as a dynamic and complex process of being aware of and recognizing individual and cultural differences, which are reflected in a practitioner's attitudes and beliefs, knowledge, and skills in working with individuals from a variety of cultural groups (e.g. racial, ethnic, gender, social class, sexual orientation) (Constantine & Ladany, 2001)
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