Seeking to Understand Families As They Are

Very simply, no two families are alike — their structures, cultures, and lived experiences will always be distinct from another family. Offering culturally congruent behavioral health support requires us to perceive and appreciate families as they are.

behavioral health provider and family member communicating and partnering, seated on couch

On Improving Access to Behavioral Health Support

Family culture is a complex arrangement of values, attitudes, customs, “and a million other things” (de Rossi, 2022) held by a particular group of people at a particular time. Very simply, offering behavioral health support that aligns with families’ cultures (Marion, et al., 2016):

  1. Requires centering families’ cultural experiences and expertise,
  2. Promotes positive health outcomes, and
  3. Effectively reduces disparities in access to support.

Practice Pause: Seeking to Understand Families Is Appreciating Diversity in Families

To learn more about your family partnership practices, download and complete the Family Partnership Checklist for the Behavioral Health Workforce. Click here: to access the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center’s Family Partnership Checklist for the Behavioral Health Workforce.

behavioral health provider completing checklist on laptop, lower body in view

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