A qualitative needs assessment for development of a cultural consultation service

Cross-cultural mental health services were assessed using qualitative interviews and focus groups of 43 mental health clinicians and program directors in one of the most ethnically integrated cities in the U.S. The commonly used strategy of ethnic matching between clinician and patient was found to be difficult to effectively apply to an ethnically diverse and highly integrated patient population. Information from cultural-competency training was also found to be difficult to apply, particularly due to time limitations and language barriers. Implementation of a cultural consultation service, which uses in-depth cultural evaluations and case-based learning, may help bridge these service gaps.