A set of behaviors, attitudes and policies that come together in a system, agency, or program or among individuals, enabling them to function effectively in diverse cultural interactions and similarities within, among, and between groups.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Cultural competence is at the center of addressing health disparities within the community. The provision of services that meet the needs of the whole individual is an ongoing
How to become more culturally competent
- Think beyond race and ethnicity. A person’s culture is shaped by more than the color of their skin or the way that they dress. It’s shaped by the person’s life experiences and traditions, which may be seen or unseen to the naked eye.
- Learn by asking. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. People feel respected and appreciated when others take a genuine interest in who they are, so ask open-ended questions about their culture to learn more.
- Make local connections. Find local organizations or venues that work with a cultural group you’re interested in and stop by. Organizations like advocacy groups, religious institutions, colleges, and social clubs are a great place to learn more and make connections.
- Pay attention to non-verbal behaviors. The meaning behind body language can sometimes differ based on cultural norms. Pay attention to how your body language is being perceived by those around you.
- Exchange stories. Storytelling is a great way to share experiences that go beyond culture. Initiate an open conversation by sharing a personal story or experience.
Cultural Competence Resources
Websites
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander ‘Ohana Center of Excellence
Develops and disseminates culturally-informed, evidence-based behavioral health information and provides T/TA on issues related to addressing behavioral health disparities in AA, NH, and PI communities.
American Indian and Alaska Native Behavioral Health Center of Excellence
Advances behavioral health equity of the AIAN population by (1) developing and disseminating culturally informed, evidence-based behavioral health information and (2) providing T/TA to address behavioral health disparities in AIAN communities including access to health services, funding, and resources; quality and quantity of services; treatment outcomes; and health education and prevention.
SAMHSA Tribal Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTTAC)
Provides T/TA for federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations, SAMHSA tribal grantees, and selected American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) communities and tribes to develop and implement a Tribal Action Plan. Helps AIAN communities build local capacity around substance use disorders, suicide prevention, and mental health using a culturally relevant, evidence-based, holistic approach.
African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence
Helps the behavioral health field transform its services for African Americans, making them safer, more effective, more accessible, more inclusive, more welcoming, more engaging, and more culturally appropriate and responsive.
Native Connections Training and Technical Assistance
Provides T/TA to Native Connections grantees related to the work of the grant, and focuses on the prevention of substance use and misuse, prevention of suicide, the promotion of mental health, and the development and implementation of Strategic Action Plans.
Migrant and Refugee Technical Assistance Center
Grows the capacity of healthcare providers and organizations that serve refugee and migrant people in the US. Provides T/TA that is culturally relevant, language-relevant, resiliency focused, and trauma-informed.
Tools & Resources
Cultural Competency in Assessing and Treating Opioid Use Disorder
Recommendations for clinicians on cultural competency in assessing and treating opioid use disorder.
SAMHSA’s TIP 59: Improving Cultural Competence
This guide helps professional care providers and administrators understand the role of culture in the delivery of mental health and substance use services. It describes cultural competence and discusses racial, ethnic, and cultural considerations.
The Opioid Guide: A Resource Guide for Practicing Psychologists
A guide from the American Psychological Society with information for practicing psychologists on opioids, their use, and effective treatments.
Posters & Infographics
Publications
A Structural Competency Curriculum for Primary Care Providers to Address the Opioid Use Disorder, HIV, and Hepatitis C Syndemic
Bagchi, A. D. (2020). A structural competency curriculum for primary care providers to address the opioid use disorder, HIV, and hepatitis C syndemic. Frontiers in Public Health, 8, Article 210. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00210
Addressing Cultural Complexities in Counseling and Clinical Practice: An Intersectional Approach, Fourth Edition
Hays, P. A. (2022). Addressing Cultural Complexities in Counseling and Clinical Practice: An Intersectional Approach (4th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Cultural Competence and Ethnic Diversity in Healthcare
Nair, L., & Adetayo, O. A. (2019). Cultural competence and ethnic diversity in healthcare. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 7(5), e2219. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002219
Responding to the Opioid Epidemic: Educational Competencies for Pain and Substance Use Disorder from the Medical Schools of the University of California
Servis, M., Fishman, S. M., Wallace, M. S., Henry, S. G., Ziedonis, D., Ciccarone, D., Knight, K. R., Shoptaw, S., Dowling, P., Suchard, J. R., Shah, S., Singh, N., Cedarquist, L. C., Alem, N., Copenhaver, D. J., Westervelt, M., & Willis, B. C. (2021). Responding to the Opioid Epidemic: Educational Competencies for Pain and Substance Use Disorder from the Medical Schools of the University of California. Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.), 22(1), 60–66. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnaa399
The Importance of Cultural Competence in Pain and Palliative Care
Givler, A., Bhatt, H., & Maani-Fogelman, P. A. (2024). The importance of cultural competence in pain and palliative care. StatPearls. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567710/