Aging in a Diverse Society: The Role of Cultural Competency in Mental Health Care for Older Adults

The elderly population in the United States is becoming increasingly diverse, and this trend underscores the need for culturally competent health care services for older adults. As attitudes about mental illness are strongly shaped by cultural values, there is an acute need for cultural sensitivity in the mental health care sector. This article explores the meaning of cultural competency in the context of mental health service provision, and offers a brief overview of service models that emphasize cultural sensitivity. The unique role that social workers can play in enhancing cultural competency in mental health care for older adults is emphasized.