Mini Workshop 15 - Integrating Cultural Responsiveness into Trauma-focused Care of Teenagers

Trauma is a significant mental health concern affecting American teens. While it is estimated that a substantial portion of youth experience at least one traumatic event by the age of 16, youth from minority groups face disproportionately higher rates of trauma compared to their non-Hispanic Caucasian peers. The burden of trauma is exacerbated by a lack of access to culturally responsive care. Failing to consider the cultural contexts of minority youth may lead to a mistrust, disengagement, dissatisfaction, and, ultimately, poor treatment outcomes. Unaddressed trauma can result in the development of mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and behavioral issues.

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is a vital evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. Multiple cultural adaptations have been made to apply TF-CBT models to different cultures, including adaptations for Latinx, African-American, Muslim, and Chinese populations. Research suggests that the flexibility of the TF-CBT model enables mental health providers to be culturally responsive and tailor the model to the unique cultural contexts of the clients they treat.

Bridging the gap between trauma-informed care and cultural responsiveness, this workshop will equip mental health providers with the tools and knowledge to effectively serve diverse adolescent populations. Participants will explore the intersection of culture and trauma, develop skills in culturally sensitive communication and assessment, and learn to adapt TF-CBT to meet the unique needs of each client. Interactive activities will enhance practical application and promote the use of culturally responsive interventions.

Recommended Reading 1: Cloitre, M. (2015). The “one size fits all” approach to trauma treatment: Should we be satisfied? European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 6, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v6.27344

Recommended Reading 2: Ennis, N., Shorer, S., Shoval, Z. Y., Freedman, S., Monson, C. M., & Dekel, R. (2020). Treating posttraumatic stress disorder across cultures: A systematic review of cultural adaptations of trauma‐focused cognitive behavioral therapies. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 76(4), 587–611. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22909

Recommended Reading 3: Stewart, R. W., Orengo-Aguayo, R., Wallace, M., Metzger, I. W., & Rheingold, A. A. (2021). Leveraging technology and cultural adaptations to increase access and engagement among trauma-exposed African American youth: Exploratory study of school-based telehealth delivery of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(15–16), 7090–7109. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260519831380