Transcultural adaptation of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in Asia

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an evidence based therapy and is now recommended by national organizations in many high income countries. CBT is underpinned by the European values and therefore for it to be effective in other cultures it needs to be adapted.

This paper describes an evidence based approach to culturally adapt CBT in Asian context, areas of focus for such adaptation and lessons learned.

An environmental scan of the literature, description of local CBT associations and perspectives from these organizations.

Cultural adaptation of CBT focuses on three main areas; 1 awareness of culture and related issues, 2 assessment and 3 adjustment in therapy techniques.

The last decade has seen an increase in culturally adapted CBT in Asia, however, more work needs to be done to improve access to CBT in Asia.