The Massachusetts General Hospital Textbook on Diversity and Cultural Sensitivity in Mental Health (Current Clinical Psychiatry)

From the reviews:

“This reference serves primarily as a tool that details the importance of understanding how various cultural dimensions influence psychiatric illness. The purpose is to provide a framework to understand the ever changing demographics of the United States by illustrating and appreciating dynamic, culturally diverse populations when treating patients with mental illness. It is targeted at all healthcare providers who work with psychiatric patients of all backgrounds and cultures.” (Edgar I. Hernandez, Doody’s Book Reviews, June, 2014)

Long considered important for professionals working with minority and under-represented populations, cross-cultural competency has become a requisite for all health care providers. As society in the US increasingly diversifies, there is a crucial need to prepare health care professionals to effectively treat this changing population. The Massachusetts General Hospital Textbook on Diversity and Cultural Sensitivity in Mental Health addresses the importance and relevance of cultural sensitivity in US mental health. Prominent researchers and clinicians examine the cultural and cross-cultural mental health issues of Native American, Latino, Asian, African American, Middle Eastern, Refugee and LGBQT communities. The discussion includes understanding the complexities in making mental health diagnoses and the various meanings it has for the socio-cultural group described, as well as biopsychosocial treatment options and challenges. In understanding the specific populations, the analysis delves into overarching concepts that may apply to specific populations and to those at the intersection of multiple cultures.

An invaluable resource for mental health professionals, including clinicians, researchers, educators, leaders and advocates in the United States, The Massachusetts General Hospital Textbook on Diversity and Cultural Sensitivity in Mental Health provides the necessary understanding and insights for research and clinical practice in specific cultural and multicultural groups. 

Ranna Parekh, MD, MPH is Director of the Center for Diversity in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). She is also Medical Director of the Adolescent Dual Diagnosis Residential Treatment Programs at McLean Hospital and a clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Parekh is a practicing child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist and has lectured locally and nationally on child and adolescent psychiatry, substance abuse, diversity, negotiations and mediation.

Dr. Parekh is the co-author of Overcome Prejudice at Work (Harvard Medical School Guides). She is also a senior consultant at the Levinson Institute and a member of the Harvard Mediation Program.