Applying a Process-Oriented Model of Cultural Competence to Behavioral Activation for Depression.

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Psychotherapy Research
• Cultural Psychiatry

Background:

• Traditional cultural adaptations of evidence-based treatments (EBTs) modify treatments based on group stereotypes.
• A process model of cultural competence focuses on in-session clinician actions to address individual cultural factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically integrate a process model of cultural competence, Shifting Cultural Lenses (SCL), with an EBT, Behavioral Activation (BA).
• To explore how SCL can inform BA to enhance cultural competence within therapy sessions.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical integration of the Shifting Cultural Lenses (SCL) model and Behavioral Activation (BA).
• Presentation of a rationale and illustration of the integrated approach.

Main Results:

• The integration offers a novel way to incorporate cultural competence into EBTs.
• This approach highlights specific clinician behaviors during sessions that demonstrate cultural competence.

Conclusions:

• Integrating SCL with BA provides a promising framework for culturally competent mental healthcare.
• Focusing on in-session processes allows for individualized cultural competence in therapy.