Understanding Korean Americans' Mental Health: A Guide to Culturally Competent Practices, Program Developments, and Policies

The Korean American community is a major Asian ethnic subgroup in the United States, plagued by unaddressed mental health obstacles. In Understanding Korean Americans Mental Health: A Guide to Culturally Competent Practices, Program Developments, and Policies, the editors examine a variety of mental health issues and connect them to cultural stigma and racial prejudice. They argue that current approaches in mainstream mental health services neglect this population's needs, and the cultural values and attitudes contribute to their reluctance to seek care. The book supports these claims with statistical realities and makes recommendations for more culturally competent practices, program developments, and policies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 12 July 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Korean American community, comprising approximately 1.9 million individuals, stands as a significant Asian ethnic subgroup within the United States. While often hailed as a model minority, excelling academically and professionally, members of this community face persistent mental health challenges that remain largely unaddressed. In their comprehensive work, Understanding Korean Americans Mental Health: A Guide to Culturally Competent Practices, Program Developments, and Policies, Anderson Sungmin Yoon, Sung Seek Moon, and Haein Son delve into a diverse range of mental health issues prevalent among Korean Americans, encompassing depression, anxiety, suicide, substance abuse, and trauma. Through meticulous analysis, the editors establish a compelling connection between these challenges and cultural stigma and racial prejudice, highlighting the neglect of this population's mental health needs by mainstream mental health services.

Alarmingly, the cultural values and attitudes that constitute the essence of the Korean American community contribute to a reluctance among its members to seek care. Factors such as familial and communal shame rank among the most pressing culprits, perpetuating a cycle of silence and stigma that hinders individuals from seeking the support they need. This book provides empirical evidence to support these claims, drawing from statistical data to underscore the heightened prevalence of mental health issues and related symptoms among Korean Americans. Furthermore, it endeavors to gather the relatively scarce research available on this topic, emphasizing the urgent need for more culturally competent practices, program developments, and policies to address the unique mental health needs of this community.

The editors argue that the current approaches in mainstream mental health services fail to adequately address the specific needs of Korean Americans. They suggest that a more comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach is necessary to effectively address the mental health challenges faced by this population. This includes recognizing the importance of family and community support systems, addressing language barriers, and promoting cultural humility and understanding among mental health professionals.

Furthermore, the editors propose specific recommendations for promoting culturally competent practices, program developments, and policies. They advocate for the development of culturally specific mental health programs that incorporate traditional Korean healing practices, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, to complement Western-based therapies. They also call for increased funding and resources for mental health services, particularly in underserved communities, to ensure that all individuals have access to quality care.

In conclusion, Understanding Korean Americans Mental Health: A Guide to Culturally Competent Practices, Program Developments, and Policies is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by the Korean American community. By examining the intersection of cultural stigma, racial prejudice, and mental health, the editors provide a comprehensive framework for promoting culturally competent practices, program developments, and policies to address the unique needs of this population. This book is a valuable resource for mental health professionals, policymakers, and community members alike, as it underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the mental health disparities that exist within diverse communities.

Weight: 798g
Dimension: 228 x 160 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793636454