Ethical mental health practice in diverse cultures and races

ABSTRACT

Drawing from Beauchamp and Childress’s four ethical principles as an overarching framework, integrating them with the NASW’s code of ethics, we examine their intersection with cultural diversity and antiracism, and its implications for mental health practice. We argue that self-determination in collective cultures may involve inclusivity beyond individual clients. Beneficence is culturally defined and evidence-based practices proven effective for some clientele have to be considered together with clients. For non-maleficence, practitioners need to reduce biases and microaggressions to avoid harming clients. Finally, justice is attainable when antiracist approaches are in place and those marginalized have equitable access to culturally-sensitive services.

KEYWORDS:

• Mental health services
• ethical practice
• social work
• culturally sensitive practice
• antiracism
• microaggressions
• therapy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).