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Key Takeaways
Racial disparities often lead topoor mental health.
Thompson suggests that therapists should avoid challenging minority patients thoughts and beliefs, and recommends validating them instead.
Deidra Thompson, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
Providers can also seek cultural competence training.
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Thompson highlights the importance of seeking help, especially from those who are culturally and racially competent.
“Individuals who are suffering from mental illness symptoms should seek help.
A comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional can help to establish a diagnosis.”
Patients should partner with providers to develop a treatment plan that resonates, according to Thompson.
“Providers can also seek cultural competence training.
Validationmay be the key element in building rapport between the therapist and the client, according to Weaver.
“Equitable treatment is nuanced by cultural attunement,” she says.
Listening and learning is an example of validation.”
2008;46(7):678-685. doi:10.1097/mlr.0b013e3181653d58