A Treatment Improvement Protocol - Improving Cultural Competence - TIP 59

A Treatment Improvement Protocol - Improving Cultural Competence - TIP 59The development of culturally responsive clinical skills is vital to the effectiveness of behavioral health services. According to the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), cultural competence refers to the ability to honor and respect the beliefs, languages, interpersonal styles, and behaviors of individuals and families receiving services, as well as staff members who are providing such services. Cultural competence is a dynamic,

The development of culturally responsive clinical skills is vital to the effectiveness of behavioral health services. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), cultural competence Òrefers to the ability to honor and respect the beliefs, languages, interpersonal styles, and behaviors of individuals and families receiving services, as well as staff members who are providing such services. Cultural competence is a dynamic, ongoing developmental process that requires a long-term commitment and is achieved over timeÓ (HHS 2003a, p. 12). It has also been called Òa set of behaviors, attitudes, and policies that . . . enable a system, agency, or group of professionals to work effectively in cross-cultural situationsÓ (Cross et al. 1989, p. 13). This Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) uses SueÕs (2001) multidimensional model for developing cultural competence.