Cultural Competence
Cultural competence refers to a set of academic and interpersonal skills that allow individuals to increase their understanding and appreciation of cultural differences and similarities within, among, and between groups.
This requires a willingness and ability to draw on community-based values, traditions, and customs and to work with knowledgeable persons of and from the community in developing targeted interventions, communications, and other supports.
From Our Collection
A culturally competent program is one that demonstrates sensitivity to and understanding of cultural differences in program design, implementation, and evaluation. Culturally competent programs:
- Acknowledge culture as a predominant force in shaping behaviors, values, and institutions
- Acknowledge and accept that cultural differences exist and have an impact on service delivery
- Believe that diversity within cultures is as important as diversity between cultures
- Respect the unique, culturally defined needs of various client populations
- Recognize that concepts such as "family" and "community" are different for various cultures and even for subgroups within cultures
- Understand that people from different racial and ethnic groups and other cultural subgroups are usually best served by persons who are a part of or in tune with their culture
- Recognize that taking the best of both worlds enhances the capacity of all
Source: SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI)
Research & Data
Screening Tools
Videos
Podcasts
Trainings
- Cultural Inclusion in Therapeutic Behavioral Health Process: Stories of Healing (SAMHSA)
- Health Disparities in Substance Use Disorder (ASAM)
- Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals (Think Cultural Health)
- NAADAC Cultural Humilty Webinar Series
- Racism is an Addiction. Racism is Trauma. How Do We Use Existing Skills & Knowledge to Drive Equity? (SAMHSA's African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence)
- Setting the Stage: Racism in the History of Substance Use and Addiction (ASAM)
- Start with Hope: How Providers Can Navigate Culturally Responsive Substance Use Treatment and Care (National Council for Mental Wellbeing)
- Who Gets Left Out? Racial Inequities in Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment (SAMHSA's African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence)