What exactly does culturally competent mental health care mean?

"It’s exhausting to have to educate your therapist."

We made this our tagline at Tala Thrive because that phrase comes with cultural significance. Though we’re all uniquely different and diverse, and while medical professionals strive to provide the same level of service to everyone, culturally competent mental health care cannot be underestimated.

So what does culturally competent care mean?

This is the ability of professionals to deliver holistic care that factors in all aspects of a patient’s identity - social, race cultural, and linguistic needs - while providing them with the mental health care they need.

From understanding the generational trauma caused by a pair of accurately thrown slippers hitting your head as a teenager to gossipy aunties who spill all your business at the most inopportune times. This can also mean speaking untranslatable yet reassuring words in a common language you both share or reminiscing about traditional elements that helped shape who you both are today.

Culturally competent mental care means understanding the stigmas in various cultures which are still tied to seeking external help. It might include understanding the importance of respecting elders and navigating their responsibilities within communities.

Culturally competent care requires cultural sensitivity when it comes to therapy and helping patients on their path towards healing, thriving, and developing healthy mindsets. A therapist from an egalitarian society might have a subconscious bias when it comes to assisting patients from a strongly patriarchal society to navigate their mental health journey. A Muslim woman wearing a hijab may not feel comfortable sharing her trauma with a male therapist.

Not taking a person’s cultural beliefs, religion, and history into account can lead to misdiagnosis and misunderstandings that can be particularly harmful for communities of colour and other underserved groups.

The absence of culturally competent professionals can continue to uphold structural racism and foster prejudice within the system, where communities of colour are further stereotyped (Read our story on Mrs Begum syndrome) and not given the adequate support they need.

How can you connect on a deeper level with someone who has been marginalised and disadvantaged within society if you’ve never experienced an ounce of that prejudice yourself? This requires self-reflection and deep work on the part of the practitioner to build the empathy and trust needed to provide the right support.

And the patient having to educate the practitioner on what to do or say culturally should never be part of this process.

We should not underestimate the importance of cultural sensitivity when it comes to mental health. At Tala Thrive, culturally competent care is our priority. Our platform matches and connects you to therapists and coaches who understand your culture, language and/or religion. Be sure to sign up at Tala Thrive to join our community!

Remember, we want you to thrive - mentally, physically, and emotionally - so you can start living the life you truly deserve.