Cognitive Behavior Therapy: A Potential Treatment for Depression among Asian Indian Immigrant Women in the United States

Abstract

The changing demographic profile of populations in the United States creates dilemmas and challenges for social work practitioners to provide culturally appropriate mental health services. Previous research on mental health of ethnic minorities suggests that acculturative stress and differential migration experiences account for symptoms of depression, a major public health issue among Asian Indian immigrant women (AIIW). Practice interventions suggest that cognitive behavior therapy is beneficial in treating depression among minority populations. Limited information exists if the AIIW benefit from this treatment. Based on the review of pertinent literature, the authors argue that cognitive behavior therapy combined with other therapeutic approaches can be helpful to treat depression among AIIW. Multicultural training for social workers can also improve cultural competence and help tailor the therapeutic process according to the individual needs.

KEYWORDS:

• Asian Indian
• depression
• cognitive behavior therapy
• women