Culturally intentional therapy benefits patients seeking mental health care

Patients who used a culturally intentional mental health care system reaped clinically significant benefits, according to a company press release.

The findings were detailed in a white paper published by Hurdle Health, a mental health care services provider based in Washington, D.C.

Hurdle Health’s therapy model was developed to train therapists on cultural competency and how to apply that competency in practice, according to the release.

Notably, 77% of patients with mild or worse anxiety screened negative for anxiety or experienced clinically significant improvement in their symptoms, and 85% of patients with mild or worse depression experienced similar results, according to the release.

Patients commonly reported that their provider enabled them to evaluate how their race, ethnicity and culture impacted their mental health situation, with 86% agreeing or strongly agreeing with that statement.

“We’ve worked hard to draw on the theoretical and empirical literature to provide a framework for our providers,” Norma L. Day-Vines, PhD, senior clinical adviser at Hurdle Health and associate dean for diversity and faculty development at Johns Hopkins University, said in the release. “Their expertise and the recognition that culturally specific therapies are essential in helping members feel seen, heard and understood.”

References:

• Hurdle Health’s new white paper highlights important data outlining the impact of a culturally-intentional therapeutic approach on clinical outcomes in mental health. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230216005096/en/Hurdle-Health. Published Feb. 16, 2023. Accessed Feb. 21, 2023.
• Hurdle white paper. https://www.hurdle.health/2023-whitepaper. Accessed Feb. 21, 2023.