The Repository @ St. Cloud State

Open Access Knowledge and Scholarship

Date of Award

5-2025

Culminating Project Type

Thesis

Styleguide

apa

Degree Name

Social Work: M.S.W

Department

Social Work

College

School of Health and Human Services

First Advisor

Dr. Patience Togo- Malm

Second Advisor

Dr. Mumbi Mwangi

Third Advisor

Dr. Sheila Moriarty

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Keywords and Subject Headings

Cultural competence, mental health assessment, treatment planning, mental health, Clinical social work practice, diversity

Abstract

This study examines the role of cultural competence in mental health assessment and its impact on treatment planning for people of color seeking treatment in mental health settings. Minority populations continue to face significant barriers in accessing and maintaining effective mental health care with overlooked standard assessment approaches. This research argues that the integration of cultural aspects into the assessment reflects an agency's cultural competence and is essential for developing culturally responsive treatment plans and improving therapeutic outcomes.

Using qualitative research methodology, this research explores the perspectives of clinical social workers through in-depth interviews. It focuses on two key areas: (1) the use of culturally sensitive assessment tools and techniques, (2) the consideration of cultural factors in diagnosis and treatment recommendations. By examining how practitioners define, implement, and utilize cultural competence, this study identifies current practices and improvement opportunities in culturally responsive assessment.

This study will contribute to social work by providing a framework for integrating cultural competence into mental health assessment.

Comments/Acknowledgements

First, Alhamdulillah. Praise to Allah. I want to express a profound gratitude to my thesis Chair, Dr. Patience Togo-Malm, who has mentored me throughout my academic journey; it is an honor to have her mentoring me through this thesis process. My gratitude also goes to my committee members and fellow mentors, Dr. Sheila Moriarty and Dr. Mumbi Mwangi, who served as great sources of knowledge and skills. I want to thank my father, Emmanuel Nguema Abaga, who continuously supported me with constant faith. Also, my mother, Ntsame Essone Chantal Félicité, kindled my passion for research and instilled in me the intellectual curiosity that drives my work to this day. To my friends Hamdi, Denise, Abdul-Hakeem, Jennifer, Gabriel, Ornela, Julie, Cassie, Patience, Carlo, Abdul-Awwal, and John, your constant support, prayers, motivational words, and encouragement were invaluable throughout this challenging journey. Ya Aurélia, I have kept my word; thank you for believing in me. To my siblings Dane, Loulou, Anne, and Aude, thank you for believing in your sister. To my A.S.A family, it has been an honor to have you as a support system during this journey.

I am deeply grateful to the participants who generously offered their time to share their experiences and insights, making this research possible. Your courage and willingness to contribute have enriched this work and our collective understanding of the issues explored.

Special thanks to the Department of Social Work staff and faculty at St. Cloud State University for undeniably supporting me. The skills and knowledge I have gained under your guidance will continue to shape my professional practice for years.

This work is dedicated to clients who have not yet found their voices in the face of systemic barriers, and I sincere hope that this research contributes to creating more equitable and accessible services for all.

Download

Share

COinS