Addressing healthcare disparities

Abstract

Mental health needs of minorities receive minimal attention, resulting in inadequate provision of culturally appropriate mental health care in racial and ethnic minority communities. Advancing our understanding of cultural issues is essential for reducing disparities. Culture is embedded in many social components, including identity, gender ideologies, generational experience, racial discrimination, and socioeconomic status. Through ongoing efforts to improve our understanding of the ways culture influences mental illness, health, and wellbeing, we enhance our ability to reduce stigma, optimize screening, enhance formulation, and design more effective interventions for all groups. Using case vignettes, this chapter illustrates key cultural considerations for psychosomatic practitioners to provide quality care and reduce mental health disparities in children and adolescents.