Cultural sensitivity can strengthen the relationship between a client and therapist and make it easier for the client to engage in sessions.
In therapy, cultural sensitivity involves honoring how a person’s values, beliefs, and identity influence their mental health.
To find a culturally competent therapist, ask for a referral from people in your community. You can also search online directories and platforms for providers who share your race, religion, gender, etc.
Imagine that you’re referred to a therapist who doesn’t speak your language. They could be the most qualified and experienced provider in your network. But if you can't understand one another, they probably can’t help you very much.
Unfortunately, language barriers are common [1] for many people seeking mental healthcare. It’s one of the clearest examples of how culture can impact the effectiveness of therapy. However, culture is so much more than language. It also involves a person’s values, beliefs, and lived experiences.
Culturally sensitive therapy reflects how a person’s identity and background [2] shape their view of mental health, relationships, and more. Culturally competent providers adapt their services to meet the needs of each client. They provide a safe, welcoming experience that helps diverse populations stay engaged with care.
How cultural competence is used in therapy
In the world of mental health, there isn’t always a clear line between what’s considered healthy or unhealthy. A person’s culture, values, beliefs, and life experiences can shape how they understand and respond to mental health concerns. Culturally sensitive therapists consider this context instead of assuming that every client will view their experiences in the same way.
Cultural sensitivity isn’t something that therapists are trained in just once. They have to keep working on it [2] throughout their careers. There isn’t a single definition of what makes a culturally competent provider. But they typically [2]:
Are aware of how their own culture (and biases) might affect the therapeutic relationship
Learn about and respect the client’s culture, values, beliefs, and identity
Understand how their clients’ identities might interact with broader systems (education, government, healthcare, law enforcement, etc.)
Choose therapy approaches and activities that make sense for the individual client
Avoid making assumptions based on a client’s background
Why culturally sensitive care is important
Research shows that culturally sensitive care strengthens the therapeutic relationship (the relationship between a therapist and their client). When a provider shows cultural competency, it helps their clients feel seen and heard.
Culturally sensitive care is especially important for people who’ve been overlooked or harmed by the mental health community. This may include [2]:
LGBTQ+ people
Religious minorities
Ethnic minorities
Immigrants
Differently abled people
Gender-diverse people
Neurodivergent people
People whose incomes are below the federal poverty threshold
Cultural misunderstanding may help explain why some groups drop out of therapy at higher rates than others. Cultural misunderstanding can also lead to a misdiagnosis [3].
Some examples of what can happen when a therapist misunderstands what’s considered “normal” within a culture include:
Viewing close family relationships as unhealthy when they’re valued in the client’s culture
Encouraging an adult to set boundaries with their parent(s) that don’t reflect their culture’s view of parent-child relationships
Questioning the validity of nonmonogamous relationships with a client who identifies as polyamorous
Seeing a lack of eye contact as a social deficit in someone whose culture deems it rude to meet someone’s gaze
Mislabeling religious experiences, which may involve altered states of consciousness, as symptoms of a serious mental health condition (like schizophrenia [4])
Finding a culturally sensitive therapist
The good news about cultural sensitivity is that it can be applied to most types of therapy. It’s not just about the activities a provider uses or the theories that shape their practice. It’s also about how they interact with clients and their personal views on what it means to be mentally healthy.
To find a culturally sensitive provider, try to get a referral from someone in your community. You can also check online directories and telehealth platforms. Many of these resources allow you to sort by a therapist’s race, religion, gender, etc.
If you already have a therapist but are concerned about cultural sensitivity, it’s OK to bring up your concern. You can speak to them directly, as it’s part of their job to address any concerns you may have. If it feels easier, you can contact them via email or whatever communication methods they use. Let them know if there’s something that they misunderstood or misinterpreted.
You can also ask to make time to discuss some cultural or identity concerns during your next session. Most therapists will welcome this opportunity because it will help them better understand you. But if you feel like your therapist isn’t receptive, it might be best to look for a new provider.
Many people find it helpful to work with a therapist who shares important aspects of their identity. But if you’re having trouble finding an exact match, know that you're not alone. Try to remember that culturally competent providers demonstrate empathy through curiosity and respect. They can create safe, welcoming therapeutic environments, regardless of their background.
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In my experience, even small assumptions can make a client feel misunderstood. For example, a therapist might see a family tradition or belief as a problem simply because it’s different from what they’re used to. When that happens, a client may feel judged and become less comfortable opening up.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
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A person’s culture can influence how they understand mental health, relationships, and more. What’s considered “normal” or typical can change from one person and community to the next. But no matter your background, you deserve mental healthcare that honors who you are.
Culturally competent providers consider all parts of a person’s identity and how they work together during therapy. They factor in how a client’s race, religion, gender, and other factors might impact their well-being. Culturally sensitive therapy also reflects a client's lived experiences and the systemic barriers they’ve faced. Research shows that cultural sensitivity can strengthen therapeutic relationships and boost engagement for underserved groups.
At Rula, we’re here to help you feel better. Rula makes it easy to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who takes your insurance. That way, you don’t have to choose between great care and a price you can afford.
Rula patients pay about $15 per session with insurance, and 93% say they feel better after getting care through Rula. We have 21,000+ providers, and appointments are available as soon as tomorrow. We’re here to help you take the next step — wherever you are in your mental health journey.
References
- Barriers to use of interpreters in outpatient mental health care: Exploring the attitudes of psychotherapists https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10943597/
- A Systematic Review of Cultural Competence Trainings for Mental Health Providers https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10270422/
- Aspects of Culturally Competent Care That We Don’t Talk About (But Need To) https://www.nami.org/blog/aspects-of-culturally-competent-care-that-we-dont-talk-about-but-need-to/
- Mysticism and schizophrenia: A phenomenological exploration of the structure of consciousness in the schizophrenia spectrum disorders https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053810016301088
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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