Cultural Sensitivity in Online Therapy: Enhancing Inclusive Mental Health Support in India

Being sensitive to the culture, or concept of cultural competency highlights how important it is for healthcare personnel and systems to understand and take into account the cultural backgrounds and viewpoints of those they treat. Respect is shown to the language, cultural customs, values, interests, and financial status of the person receiving treatment and their family. A clinician must cooperate in shared decision-making with clients, taking into account their diverse lifestyles, experiences, and viewpoints, in order to provide tailored, patient-centred care. Cultural sensitivity may also improve patient-centred care, which has the potential to improve equity in the delivery of healthcare.

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Understanding Mental Health Issues In The Cultural Context

A person's thoughts, feelings, mood, or behaviour can all be impacted by a broad range of conditions that are considered mental health disorders. These conditions can affect a person's capacity to carry out daily tasks and can be potentially episodic or chronic. The perception, experience, and treatment of these illnesses are greatly influenced by cultural influences.

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The fact that health and illness are viewed differently in different cultures is highlighted by a large amount of scientific literature. A person's motivation to seek treatment, coping mechanisms, level of support from family and community, place of seeking help (mental health specialist, primary care provider, religious leaders, and/or traditional healer), route taken to obtain services, and course of treatment are all significantly impacted by their cultural interpretations of health and illness. Cultural perspectives on the cause of disease can also differ greatly. 

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According to Ayurveda, the predominant ancient healing system in India, mental well-being can be attributed to three factors: vayu, or air, swabhave, or one's nature, and karma, or one's deeds. The fact that the patient is treated holistically and in the context of his or her external environment, and that the distinction between body and mind is not stressed, is a crucial component of both of these therapeutic approaches. It is crucial to remember that individuals from other cultural backgrounds may not distinguish between mental and physical problems in the same way that Western medical systems do. 

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The ways in which different cultures access the mainstream Western health system for treatment of mental health issues also differ. In India, those who seek care from traditional healthcare institutions typically report more physical complaints. 

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A significant factor in the differences in treatment-seeking behaviours can be stigma. Shame, leading to inadequate accessibility of mental health services, could be due to the need to uphold their own dignity and the family name. The person may be reluctant to open up to strangers for a variety of reasons, including fears of "losing face," a lack of trust, or the fear of revisiting painful events. There might also be fear of the possibility that the mental health professional would view them as "crazy,". These factors, on the other hand, may make movement-based therapies, expressive therapies, and online therapies more useful. 

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Culturally Sensitive Treatment Approaches

Effective therapeutic outcomes require the inclusion of cultural nuances in therapy, particularly in a multicultural and diverse nation like India. This entails comprehending and incorporating into the therapeutic process the cultural settings, behaviours, and beliefs of the clients. In order to give successful therapy, therapists in India need to be especially sensitive to and informed about the diverse cultures, religions, languages, and traditions that make up the country.

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A counsellor or therapist should possess a constellation of appropriate personal qualities (awareness, knowledge, and abilities). These qualities ought to be possessed by every therapist. This is the most widely accepted framework for cultural competency, and it served as the foundation for many of the multicultural therapeutic competencies that the organization's Division of Psychologists adopted as well as the multicultural guidelines that the American Psychological Association (Am. Psychol. Assoc. 2003) adopted.

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In online therapy, cultural sensitivity is acknowledging and appreciating each client's distinct cultural background, values, and beliefs. This method ensures that there are better chances that the therapy is successful and pertinent, meeting the unique needs of people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Online therapy that is sensitive to cultural differences can fill in gaps in mental health care and offer more inclusive support in India, a country known for its vast cultural diversity. 

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Medication may be required for some diseases in order to control symptoms. Indian psychiatrists are trained to prescribe drugs as long as they take into account cultural norms like dietary restrictions and customs that might have an effect on the treatment. The effectiveness of the medication is ensured by routine monitoring and adjustments. 

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Creating a strong support network is crucial. This includes assistance from friends, family, and the community. Given the collectivist ethos in India, family involvement in the healing process can be especially advantageous. Peer support and community groups can be very helpful in the healing process. 

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The Relevance of Online Therapy in India

An innovative way to overcome the obstacles to receiving mental health care in India is through online therapy. It offers a private, adaptable, and practical means for people to get help without the stigma attached to going to a mental health facility. Online therapy is starting to become a practical and useful choice for many people in India due to the country's rising internet penetration and smartphone usage. Additionally, technology makes it possible to reach more places—such as underprivileged and rural areas—and offer mental health help where it is most needed. 

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As one of the leading providers of online therapy, Rocket Health India distinguishes itself by providing culture-specific mental health care that is sensitive to the diverse climate of the country. Their group of licensed professionals incorporates their awareness of their customers' varied cultural origins into their therapy approach. Additionally, Rocket Health India offers information in other languages, enabling a larger audience to receive mental health support. They provide individualised treatment plans, frequent check-ins, and ongoing assistance, assuring their clients receive comprehensive care. 

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Conclusion

In a multicultural nation like India, cultural awareness in online therapy is essential to offering inclusive mental health treatment. Acknowledging and honouring cultural differences can improve therapy's efficacy and motivate more people to seek assistance. Leading this movement is Rocket Health India, which provides individualised care that honours each client's own cultural heritage. 

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Do not be afraid to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing mental health difficulties. Get in touch with Rocket Health India right now to receive online treatment that is inclusive, culturally aware, and respectful of your individual requirements and history. Support for your mental health is available with only a click.

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Rocket Health India is making great progress toward providing inclusive and effective mental health support by emphasising cultural sensitivity. This hopes to ensure that everyone, regardless of cultural background, may get the care they require. 

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References

Conrad, P., & Barker, K. K. (2010). The social construction of illness: key insights and policy implications. Journal of health and social behavior, 51 Suppl, S67–S79. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022146510383495

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Gopalkrishnan N. (2018). Cultural Diversity and Mental Health: Considerations for Policy and Practice. Frontiers in public health, 6, 179. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2018.00179

Stubbe D. E. (2020). Practicing Cultural Competence and Cultural Humility in the Care of Diverse Patients. Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing), 18(1), 49–51. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20190041

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Sue, S., Zane, N., Nagayama Hall, G. C., & Berger, L. K. (2009). The case for cultural competency in psychotherapeutic interventions. Annual review of psychology, 60, 525–548. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.60.110707.163651