Please answer 1-3 discussion Reponses using at least 50 words and 1 reference each. Answer discussion question 4 using at least 125 words and 1 reference with an in-text citation.
1) When we think of challenges – related to culture or other parts of life – we often consider differences as potential challenges. How might having the same ideas and beliefs cause problems or issues in treatment?
2) A mental health worker with multicultural competence upholds the ideals of cooperation and constructive interaction with people of all races, regardless of their backgrounds. Nonetheless, a variety of factors contribute to the disparities in how members of different cultures see themselves. Religion or the environments in which the individual grew up are examples of such elements. Mental health providers have challenges when dealing with patients who devote a great deal of time to their faith in the hopes that it may alleviate their mental health issues. Schieman et al. (2013) found that certain religious practices may really be detrimental to mental health. Additionally, due to a lack of cultural understanding, certain mental health professionals may be unaware of particular parenting techniques, leading them to incorrectly assume that the parent is hostile to their children. In response to resistance of assimilation, Danbold and Huo (2022) assert that when society changes, people in powerful groups feel threatened and act intolerantly. Furthermore, certain households may be resistant to embracing popular cultural norms and values. This may result in social exclusion, prejudice, and alienation which also plays a role in social distancing. Mental health professionals assisting families through these difficult times should value their clients’ unique perspectives and work together with them to develop individualized treatment strategies. (H. Crenshaw DQ2)
3) Race refers to a person’s physical characteristics, such as color, while ethnicity refers to a person cultural background, including traditions and beliefs (Lewis & Cohen, 2023). Personal biases from mental health providers or agencies other cultures in mental health treatment can stem from lack of exposure, stereotypes, or ignorance (Kunstman et. al, 2023). To avoid bias, behavioral health professionals should engage in cultural competency training, actively seek to understand different cultures, and practice empathy and open-mindedness in their interactions with clients. It’s important to recognize and challenge personal biases, and to always prioritize the well-being and individual needs of each client regardless of their cultural background. Collaboration with culturally diverse colleagues and seeking ongoing education on cultural sensitivity can also help in providing more effective and unbiased mental health treatment. (K. Tucker DQ1)
4) After analyzing the case study, discuss what your first three actions for reunification would be if you were the mental health worker on this case. Use your state’s public health website and recommend two resources this family could use to assist them with the reunification of their family.(wk 6 DQ2)
