At Ignite Teen Treatment, we believe in the power of connection, purpose, and spirituality. We see these as powerful guiding forces for our clients and as strength and support to build on during and after their time with us.
To this end and for this reason, though we are not a religious program or require adherence to any particular practice, our facilities and programs are designed to accommodate the various unique cultural, spiritual or religious practices our clients may engage in as well as community and language support and accommodations.
Our kitchen is fully kosher, our staff are trained in cultural competency, and we network and seek guidance from local community and spiritual leaders who are also available for individual questions or guidance for our clients and their families.
Culture is a particular group’s beliefs, customs, values and way of thinking, behaving and communicating. Cultural background affects how someone:
- Views mental health conditions
- Describes symptoms
- Communicates with health care providers such as doctors and mental health professionals
- Receives and responds to treatment
What Is Cultural Competence?
Cultural competence is the behaviors, attitudes and skills that allow a health care provider to work effectively with different cultural groups. Finding culturally competent providers is important because they understand the essential role that culture plays in life and health. A culturally competent provider includes cultural beliefs, values, practices and attitudes in your care to meet your unique needs.
Tips For Finding A Culturally Competent Provider
Research Providers
- Contact providers or agencies from your same cultural background or look for providers and agencies that have worked with people who have a similar cultural background.
- Ask trusted friends and family for recommendations.
- Look online or ask for referrals from cultural organizations in your community.
- If you have health insurance, ask the health plan for providers that fit your cultural background.
Ask Providers These Questions
- Are you familiar with my community’s beliefs, values and attitudes toward mental health? If not, are you willing to learn about my cultural background and respect my perspective?
- Do you have experience treating people from my cultural background?
- Have you had cultural competence training?
- Are you or members of your staff bilingual?
- How would you include aspects of my cultural identity, such as age, faith, gender identity orientation, in my care?
Other Things You Can Do
- Tell the provider about traditions, values and beliefs that are important to you.
- Tell the provider what role you want your family to play in your treatment.
- Learn about your condition, particularly how it affects people from your culture or community.
- Look around the provider’s office for signs of inclusion. Who works there? Does the waiting room have magazines, signs and pamphlets for you and your community?
Trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental illness isn't always easy. There's no easy test that can let someone know if there is mental illness or if actions and thoughts might be typical behaviors of a person or the result of a physical illness.
Innovations in the range of evidence based medications, therapy and psychosocial services such as psychiatric rehabilitation, housing, employment and peer supports have made wellness and recovery a reality for people living with mental health conditions.
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