Assignment 1: Discussion—Cultural Competency

Assignment 1: Discussion—Cultural Competency

Developing diverse knowledge about other populations helps improve cultural competency. This competency can be developed through independent reading, attendance at relevant seminars, or supervision from professionals in the field with appropriate backgrounds. Cultural competency is important to the assessment process.

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Review the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics at the following:

• American Counseling Association. (2005). ACA code of ethics. Retrieved from http://www.counseling.org/Resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

Respond to the following:

• 1. How would you define cultural competency?
• 2. Why is cultural competency important for substance abuse counselors?
• 3. How would you acquire this skill?
• 4. Which ACA ethics codes discuss cultural competency, and what measures should counselors take to prevent ethical code violations in these areas?

Support your responses using your module readings and authoritative resources. Incorporate theory and factual information in your response.

Solution Preview 

The increasing diversity of the nation brings opportunities and challenges for health care providers, health care systems, and policy makers to create and deliver culturally competent services. Cultural competence is defined as the ability of providers and organizations to effectively deliver health care services that meet the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of patients.1 A culturally competent health care system can help improve health outcomes and quality of care, and can contribute to the elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities. Examples of strategies to move the health care system towards these goals include providing relevant training on cultural competence and cross-cultural issues to health professionals and creating policies that reduce administrative and linguistic barriers to patient care.