Increasing culturally competent neuropsychological services for ethnic minority populations: a call to action

Clin Neuropsychol. 2010 Apr;24(3):429-53. doi: 10.1080/13854040903058960.

Abstract

US demographic and sociopolitical shifts have resulted in a rapidly growing need for culturally competent neuropsychological services. However, clinical neuropsychology as a field has not kept pace with the needs of ethnic minority clients. In this discussion we review: historical precedents and the limits of universalism in neuropsychology; ethical/professional guidelines pertinent to neuropsychological practice with ethnic minority clients; critical cultural considerations in neuropsychology; current disparities germane to practice; and challenges to the provision of services to racial/ethnic minority clients. We provide a call to action for neuropsychologists and related organizations to advance multiculturalism and diversity within the field by increasing multicultural awareness and knowledge, multicultural education and training, multicultural neuropsychological research, and the provision of culturally competent neuropsychological services to racial/ethnic minority clients. Lastly, we discuss strategies for increasing the provision of culturally competent neuropsychological services, and offer several resources to meet these goals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Cultural Competency / psychology*
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Healthcare Disparities / methods
  • Humans
  • Mental Health Services*
  • Minority Groups / psychology*
  • Neuropsychology*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'*
  • United States