Cultural determinants in the treatment of Arab Americans: A primer for mainstream therapists.

Abstract

As the population of Arab Americans grows, so does their presence among mental health clientele, creating a need among clinicians for information about these clients. The broad lines of Arab culture are delineated: its roots, language, religion, and political history; patterns of immigration to the United States; and the salient differences between Arab culture and the dominant U.S. culture. The effects of negative stereotyping and discrimination against Arab Americans are examined, as are specific clinical issues in treating them. Recommendations for more culturally sensitive treatment are enumerated.