The White Paper: It Must Have A Focus On Cultural Values: Rule #7

It Must Have A Focus On Cultural Values

There is a desperate need for services that are effective across all cultures. Many of us report

1. having language differences with service providers that impede our progress, and

2. having less access to quality services because of where we live.

Once services are accessed, some of us reported feeling discriminated against because of our culture and our beliefs.

Below are concrete ways in which culturally competent mental health services should be provided:

▪ Consider that mental health services are unique based on regional differences throughout New York State.

Those of us in New York City may have many services options, where those of us in Saranac Lake may be limited to one.

When you speak of choice, please remember
that this is our reality.

● Train providers on how to supply culturally competent services, and expose service providers to
the beliefs of
other cultures
through speakers and
presentations.

There is a need to develop an educational program that teaches providers, local and state governments, and other recipients in the community about-

the culture
of healing and recovery

that is socially sensitive
and progressive.

Get to know the cultural groups that make up our communities. Don't just assume that you know who we are.

● Mental health service providers and the community-at-large should not be afraid to ask us about our beliefs.

Many of us reported using mental health services and never being asked about our culture, and how that might impact our recovery.

Your questions are welcomed
because they foster understanding.

▪ Providers need to offer more culturally-competent Peer advocacy for recipients.

▪ Cultural values unique to the hearing impaired community, as well as ▪ those relating to the consumer/survivor community must be considered.

● Providers must "embrace" differences in those of us who are not from similar background by

1. working to understand language, and

2. working at being understood.

It is too often that we cannot understand what our psychiatrist is saying, or he/she can't understand what we are saying.

▪ More information needs to be translated into other languages ▪

Hire staff that is reflective of the community the program services.

▪ The professional community must ▪

1. recognize differences in individuals, and

2. adjust treatment according to our cultural experiences.

The White Paper-Why Now? | Intro | #1 | #2 | #3| #4 | #5 | #6 | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10 | Next Steps

a grass roots presentation ~ TheWhitePaper.Org ~ 2008