1 - (SYM 23) Understanding Culturally Responsive Mental Health Treatment for BIPOC Communities Living with HIV/AIDS

Background: HIV infection is a leading contributor to racial inequalities in health and life expectancy in the U.S. (Harper et al., 2007). These racial disparities are observed in access to care, retention in care, and quality of care for BIPOC living with HIV/AIDS as well (IOM, 2002). These disparities are also mirrored in mental health treatment seeking populations (Smedley, Stith, & Nelson, 2003). Given that mental health challenges have been identified as barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence for persons living with HIV/AIDS (Pence, 2009), it is critical to address mental health disparities alongside disparities in HIV/AIDS treatment and outcomes. While culturally responsive treatment is increasingly seen as a way to reduce racial disparities in mental health and has become part of ethical standards of psychology, consistent operationalization of culturally responsive provider behaviors remains elusive.

The goal of the current study is to identify unique considerations for providing culturally responsive mental health treatment to BIPOC individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and identify provider behaviors that are required to provide culturally responsive care.

Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with BIPOC clients living with HIV/AIDS (n= 12) and mental healthcare providers who work with BIPOC communities living with HIV/AIDS (n = 12). Open-ended questions were asked to understand participant perspectives on provider behaviors that reflect a culturally responsive stance with the goal of identifying in-session provider behaviors that are experienced as culturally responsive and non-responsive. Additionally, provider participants were asked about their training/personal experiences that prepared them to provide culturally responsive care.

Results: Key themes that emerged for clients and providers included therapist self-disclosure, naming perceived cultural differences, providing information, shared decision-making, and asking questions. Distinct key themes emerged for providers included training and consultation.

Conclusion: Findings provide important information about the perspectives of clients of color living with HIV/AIDS and providers on culturally responsive mental health care practices. Themes that emerge from the client and provider interviews will be used to inform preliminary recommendations for strategies to promote mental health providers’ ability to provide culturally responsive psychotherapy for BIPOC communities living with HIV/AIDS.