Culturally Competent Occupational Therapy in a Diversely Populated Mental Health Setting

Abstract

Cultural sensitivity is a crucial component of health care provision, particularly in psychiatric settings. As society becomes more multicultural, it is essential for occupational therapists to continue to develop cultural competence, which is defined in this paper as an awareness of, sensitivity to, and knowledge of the meaning of culture. At San Francisco General Hospital, an innovative multicultural model consisting of special focus programs is used. The key to the success of such programs is a culturally competent professional staff.