The most effective treatment for young people takes into account how they grew up, the culture they were immersed in, and the generations that came before them. “The client is not just the child, teen, or young adult in our program—it’s the whole family,” says Camellia Johnson, LCSW, Clinical Operations Manager at Newport Healthcare.
This is why it’s critical that mental health providers are trained in offering culturally competent care for the entire family. A culturally competent mental health provider considers race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity or sexual orientation, religion, and other factors when developing a comprehensive treatment plan for clients.
Research indicates that minority groups often encounter significant barriers to accessing mental health services, including stigma, mistrust of healthcare providers, and a lack of culturally sensitive care. In some cultures or religions, discussing mental health or seeking help outside the family can be taboo, further complicating access to necessary support.
At Newport Healthcare, we are dedicated to providing care that respects and understands the diverse backgrounds of each family. Camellia has seen a significant increase in client diversity in her 10 years at Newport, making cultural competency training critical to creating a safe, welcoming space.
In this Q&A, she shares how diverse backgrounds inform treatment plans and why it’s important to break down barriers to mental healthcare so that families access the support they need.
Why is cultural competence important in mental healthcare?
Camellia: Understanding a family’s history and how a client’s parents were raised tells us a lot about how they parent the child we are treating. Everyone struggles in different ways, and those struggles can be influenced by cultural factors.
For instance, in some families, mental health discussions may be taboo, often replaced by spiritual practices or praying. As therapists, it’s important to create a sense of normalcy around these conversations because the scary side is that there’s secrecy. When a child feels like there’s no room to share, it can lead to crisis. Some cultures suffer in silence, and they don’t ask for help until they lose a child, whether to overdose, suicide, or something else.
How does Newport engage with BIPOC communities and families to better understand their specific mental health needs and cultural considerations?
Camellia: Being able to put things on the table and have open, honest conversations about their history and their story is important. It ensures the therapist is informed and can ask the right questions. I often do my own research or ask families whether there are any resources or information that would be helpful for me to know to support them as a family.
For instance, at one point we were treating several Orthodox Jewish families, and we had to navigate whether they could attend treatment or do sessions before sundown. I also learned that for religious reasons I was not allowed to shake the man’s hand—I should only engage with his wife.
For all my families, I do checks beyond the intake assessments to make sure that I am creating a safe space for that family. And I will be transparent in saying, “I am not versed in this area and I’m looking forward to learning as we progress through treatment.”
What training does Newport provide to ensure clinicians provide culturally competent care?
Camellia: Newport therapists receive general cultural competency education, as well as specific strategies for engaging with diverse communities. I train, support, and supervise my team so that they can show up in any space—no matter if they’re white, Black, or other background—so that families receive the same level of care.
I also stress to my staff not to go in with assumptions based on what they’ve heard about a particular culture or background. We encourage curiosity and asking questions that will inform individualized treatment for that client and family.
How does Attachment-Based Family Therapy lend itself to work with BIPOC families?
Camellia: When it comes to ABFT, every party has an opportunity to put their issues or thoughts or feelings on the table. And most often what we realize is that everyone is saying the same thing—they just want to know how to connect, how to function, and how to be stronger as a family.
What do you think is contributing to the increase in BIPOC families that have come to Newport for treatment?
Camellia: I think families are realizing that mental health is something that’s just a part of day-to-day life. People are losing jobs or kids are getting bullied in school. You don’t have to tie it to a particular mental health issue to know that something is wrong and there needs to be a safe space to talk about it.
Can you share an example of how cultural backgrounds influence therapy sessions?
Camellia: I’ve had white families who have felt that as an African-American therapist, I wouldn’t be able to help them. Cases like that often become my favorites because regardless of skin color, we’re all struggling. With those families, I do a lot more psychoeducation and I also identify their version of cultural competence. Not all white families are the same, not all Black families are the same. Then there are African-American families who breathe a sigh of relief when they meet me and see that I’m African-American. I assure them that they would receive the same level of care from anyone on my staff, but I will say it does help me connect with them.
I can empathize with them. “I know you’re scared. I know you’re embarrassed that you have to be in treatment. I know that there’s this sense of secrecy where you want to handle everything behind closed doors. And it takes so much strength to seek external help. Just the fact that you are here is a win.”
What is your message to BIPOC families who could benefit from professional mental health support but may be hesitant to seek care?
Camellia: Help shows up sometimes from a person or space that you least expected. If you feel overwhelmed or you don’t know what to do, it’s okay to ask for help. Find yourself a support group. If you’re not ready to share your own fears, concerns, and thoughts, just listen.
I always tell clients, finding the right therapist is like finding the perfect pair of jeans. You try one on, you see how it fits. Does it make you feel comfortable and confident? If not, move on to the next pair until you find the best match.
Mental Health Treatment for BIPOC Families
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or another mental health issue, we want you to know you are not alone. Our caring, compassionate staff is ready to help your family overcome barriers to care.
Newport’s nationwide residential and outpatient programs serve children ages 7–11, teens ages 12–18, and young adults ages 18–35. Contact us today to get started.
Camellia Johnson, LCSW, Clinical Operations Manager
