THE HISTORY AND FUTURE OF CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHIATRIC-SERVICES

With cultural issues prominent in the United States today and with ong oing rapid changes in health care management and delivery, this paper discusses the shift from a generic-type psychiatry (i.e., assuming tha t humans the world over are no different, and will react to given stre ssors in life in the same manner) to one recognizing that cultural bel iefs, mores, peer pressure, family expectations, and other ingredients operate in unique combinations in various cultures and ethnic groups. These social and cultural factors can and will impact treatment modal ities and outcomes. Literature reviewed herein illustrates the progres sive stages of awareness and incorporation of cultural differences and the many ways they impact treatment. Unfortunately, the rise in manag ed, rationed health care threatens the future of this progression. It is essential that culturally-based managed care programs be developed and funded to ensure the availability of cost-effective treatment, thr ough an integrated system of services, to patients of all cultural and economic backgrounds.