The Value of Intercultural Competence in Healthcare

People come from all walks of life, including cultural, religious, racial, and economic differences. These differences and uniqueness are what make us special and should by no means impact the quality of the health care that someone receives. Mental health professionals must demonstrate intercultural competence, which “Refers to the ability of mental health professionals to understand, respect, and effectively address their patients’ diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, values, and practices” (mhmgroup.com). Mental health professionals who lack said competency may demonstrate negligent and biased treatment strategies that can have debilitating effects on a person's mental and physical state.

Despite ongoing efforts to curb this issue studies have shown that people “In racial and ethnic minority groups were found to receive lower-quality health care than whites received, even when they were insured to the same degree and when other health care access-related factors, such as the ability to pay for care, were the same” (psychiatryonline.org). Patients seeking help should consider whether the professional they are seeking to work with has engaged with international clients stemming from diverse backgrounds. With our world–more interconnected than ever before–it is vital to work with people who not only understand our language but understand who we truly are.

How Do You Benefit From Your Provider Working With International Clients?

Innately providers who consistently work with international clients will be exposed to different cultures and types of people on a more regular basis. Being able to work and have successful connections with clients across the globe showcases that your provider is respected and demonstrates high levels of intercultural competence. Culturally sensitive providers “won’t be dismissive of your cultural norms and will avoid making any assumptions about your cultural experience (jedfoundation.org).” They will also be less likely to make assumptions about how you feel instead of asking in-depth questions to try and understand and provide personalized and helpful treatment.

How to Tell if Your Mental Health Proffesionals are Culturally Aware

Demonstrating intercultural competence requires adaptability and a lifetime of learning. Healthcare professionals must constantly utilize self-reflection and look to remove preconceived biases and conceptions when interacting with clients. When checking to see if a mental health professional is interculturally literature review if their organization does these 4 things(georgetown.edu):

1. Provides translation services for clients who speak different languages

2. Hires and maintains staff from diverse backgrounds

3. Provides proper training on cultural awareness to their staff

4. Integrates different cultural values into their health promotion tools

Remember for a professional to properly be able to help you they first need to provide an environment that makes you feel comfortable, heard, and understood!

Finding a Provider That Works for You

Looking for a provider that fulfills your needs can be confusing and overwhelming. To find what you are looking for it is important to contact providers that either match or are familiar with your cultural background. When talking to potential providers feel free to ask questions about their training in intercultural competency and how familiar they are with your specific cultural identity. While speaking with the provider, it may also be helpful to look around their office for signs of inclusion, ‘Look around the provider’s office for signs of inclusion. Who works there? Does the waiting room have magazines, signs, and pamphlets for you and your community?' (NAMI.org). 

If any one of your family members or friends has had success working with a mental health provider it can be smart to ask them for help or see if they have any recommendations on where you should seek counsel. Contacting your insurance provider for advice on where to look may also bring fruitful results.

3 Key Takeaways To Use After Your Done Reading

1. Intercultural Competence is Critical: Understanding all aspects of a client increases the likelihood of patients receiving unbiased and high-quality care.

2. Seek Out Providers Who Work with International Clients:  Working with international clients increases a provider's likelihood of demonstrating cultural sensitivity and adaptability.

3. You Deserve Proper Treatment: Having a mental health provider that understands you for who you are should never be a luxury, it should be an expectation. Every person regardless of background deserves to be treated with proper care and that includes you!