Cultural Competency and Implicit Bias: Decreasing Barriers to Native American and First Nation Mental Health Care

Indigenous populations have different perceptions of mental health compared to Western medicine. Implicit bias and limited cultural awareness among healthcare professionals contribute to disparities in care, misdiagnosis, and disengagement. This article examines how historical trauma, spiritual perspectives, and systemic barriers hinder access to care for the Indigenous population. Implicit bias training can mitigate unconscious assumptions in nursing practice, influencing care delivery at the meso level and contributing to broader institutional change and health equity at the macro level. By fostering culturally responsive nursing practices, clinicians can be pivotal in rebuilding trust, improving outcomes, and advancing care for Indigenous communities.