Exploring Mental Health Care Providers’ Experiences and Implementation of Cultural Competence

Abstract

This thesis aims to provide insight into how academic institutions teach health care professionals about cultural influences on mental health and clinical encounters, as well as how health care providers implement these ideas in their work. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with mental health care providers in Hamilton. Providers varied significantly in their definition and experience of cultural competence. Few providers had received training in cultural competence, and the experiences of those who had received such training were generally not congruent with what is described in the literature. While the literature describes a shift towards a skills-based paradigm, health care education appears to continue to focus on knowledge and attitudes. Many providers are more familiar with other frameworks for addressing cultural issues; however, these have important implications for quality and access to care for migrant and newcomer individuals.