Culturally Responsive Counseling for Asian Americans: Clinician Perspectives

Ways Marriage and Family Therapists Can Create Supportive Therapeutic Spaces for Asian American Clients

The article focuses on ways Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) can create supportive therapeutic spaces for Asian American clients. Research and clinical practices in the field of MFT and counseling continue to center around White norms. To promote a clinical understanding of communities of color, pedagogical strategies need to encourage critical thinking and promote awareness of the systemic oppression of communities of color. The article will examine the current research and practices in supporting Asian American clients in therapy. Specifically, the article will explore Asian Critical Race Theory (Asian CRT), and Socioculturally Attuned Family Therapy (SAFT) frameworks to understand how racialized experiences impact clients' wellbeing and create liberatory practices that elevate client voices within the therapeutic process. Through case examples, Asian Critical Race Theory and Socioculturally Attuned Family Therapy will be applied to illustrate their practice with clients.

Exploring Levels and Correlates of Depression Literacy Among Older Korean Immigrants

OBJECTIVES

Despite the high prevalence of depression among older Korean Americans (KAs), there has been very little research on depression literacy among older KAs. This study identified specific areas of improvement in depression literacy to address mental health promotion among KAs. Twenty-two items on the depression literacy scale were grouped under five key themes: incidence and prognosis, differential symptoms, symptom recognition, non-pharmacological effectiveness, and pharmacological knowledge. This study aimed to assess the level of understanding depression literacy based on five domains and identify factors associated with depression literacy and its domains among older KAs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with 178 KAs aged 60 years and older was conducted in the Washington DC Metro area. Interviewer and self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with depression literacy and its domains. Statistical significance was set at p < .05 for analyses.

RESULTS

Knowledge pertaining to all 5 depression literacy domains was low, particularly on pharmacological treatment and differential symptoms were noticeably low. The majority of participants had misconceptions about antidepressants. 86% believed that antidepressants can have a rapid effect on symptoms, 82.6% believed people with depression should stop taking antidepressants as soon as they feel better, and 66.3% believed antidepressants were addictive.

CONCLUSION

Misperception about depression and antidepressants may be associated with poor mental health outcomes among older KAs. Culturally-tailored education for older KAs with limited English proficiency could be beneficial in promoting depression literacy and reducing stigma or misconceptions regarding depression and treatments.

Asian Americans’ Perceived Knowledge of State Vocational Rehabilitation Services for People With Mental Illness

Given the significant role of employment on independent living and well-being among individuals with disabilities, such as those with mental illness, it is important to examine the experiences of racially and ethnically diverse cultural groups, including Asian Americans. However, little research focus has been made toward Asian Americans with disabilities in the rehabilitation counseling field. This study examined knowledge of state vocational rehabilitation (VR) services and the perceived importance and likeliness of receiving VR services in a sample of 315 Asian Americans. Survey questions were developed to ask participants’ perceived importance of receiving various VR services provided within state VR agencies and the likeliness of receiving or recommending each service if they or their family members had a mental illness. The results showed that most participants were not familiar with state VR services. Although slightly different patterns were identified in the participants’ importance and likeliness ratings, the top important and preferable service was diagnosis and treatment. The information gathered in this study has important implications for crafting culturally sensitive and effective outreach and marketing strategies in Asian American communities.