Cultural Competence and Children's Mental Health Service Outcomes

Abstract

This study describes the relationships between clients' perception of cultural competency of mental health providers and service outcomes. A study was conducted of a public children's mental health program that used a community-based, systems of care approach. Data from a subsample (N = 111) of families with youths (average age 12.3) and primarily African-American (81.5%) were analyzed for this study. Findings demonstrate statistically significant associations between cultural competence of the provider and better overall clinical outcomes including access, participation, satisfaction, and service outcomes. This study provides empirical clinical data that improved cultural competency leads to improved clinical outcomes.

Keywords:

• cultural competence
• cultural sensitivity
• service outcomes
• African-American youths

Notes

This study was conducted as part of the “Louisiana Youth Enhanced Services Program,” a system of care project under the auspices of the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health. The project, Child Mental Health Initiative Grant# 93-104, was funded by the Center for Mental Health Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.