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Cross-Cultural Considerations with Asian Indian American Clients: A Perspective on Psychological Assessment

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Guide to Psychological Assessment with Asians

Abstract

Research on Asian Indian Americans indicates an underutilization of mental health services within this minority group. This chapter provides a cultural profile of individuals of Asian Indian descent. The primary focus of this chapter is to provide culturally sensitive guidelines for practice in psychological assessment and counseling when working with Asian Indian Americans. The first section provides an overview of the cultural context of the Asian Indian American in terms of issues related to formation of ethnic identity and degree of acculturation, the importance of family, gender roles, and expectations, and commonly held cultural beliefs, values, and customs. This section also indicates potential stressors that may be commonly experienced among Asian Indian Americans. The second section describes the attitudes towards mental illness, disability, and help-seeking behaviors prevalent among Asian Indian Americans that act as a deterrent in accessing mental health services. The third section provides culturally sensitive recommendations to increase accessibility and acceptance of mental health services among Asian Indian Americans. Guidelines include solutions to increase service utilization by customizing service delivery methods to fit client needs, using systems-based and directive approaches to understand the Asian Indian American client, allocating counselors based on client values and gender preferences, and collaborating with medical professionals and indigenous healers to provide more comprehensive mental health services to this minority population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychological Studies Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Block 2, Level 3, Room 109, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore, 637616, Singapore

    Anuradha S. K. Dutt Ph.D. & Phey Ling Kit Ph.D.

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  1. Anuradha S. K. Dutt Ph.D.
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  2. Phey Ling Kit Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Anuradha S. K. Dutt Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Nevada and Northcentral University, Graduate School Faculty, Prescott Valley, AZ, USA, Reno, Nevada, USA

    Lorraine T. Benuto

  2. Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Nicholas S. Thaler

  3. Graduate School Faculty, Prescott Valley, AZ, USA, Lake's Crossing Center: Maximum Security Facility for Forensic Mental Health Services (Reno, NV) & Northcentral University, Reno, Nevada, USA

    Brian D. Leany

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Dutt, A.S.K., Kit, P.L. (2014). Cross-Cultural Considerations with Asian Indian American Clients: A Perspective on Psychological Assessment. In: Benuto, L., Thaler, N., Leany, B. (eds) Guide to Psychological Assessment with Asians. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0796-0_5

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