Civilian Psychologists in an Army Culture: The Ethical Challenge of Cultural Competence

Abstract

Abstract The Army represents a discrete cultural group with unique features of language, manners, norms of behavior, and belief systems. Cultural competence, traditionally applied to the treatment of ethnic and racial minorities, is also essential for the ethical treatment of Army personnel. We describe some of the challenges and opportunities that non-veteran civilian psychologists may experience when conducting psychological assessments, treatment, and command consultations in an Army medical treatment facility. In addition, training procedures, including Army cultural exposure experiences, training on relevant regulations, observation of experienced Army psychologists, and mentoring, are recommended to assist civilian psychologists in obtaining the knowledge and skills required for ethical practice.