Partners & Funders
The Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy initiative is led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health with partners like the Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre, Mental Health Commission of Canada, Moving Forward Family Services, and Punjabi Community Health Services. Health Canada funds it.
Goals and Collaboration Approach
Implemented virtually, the project aims to create and test a culturally adapted model of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The goal is to improve mental health services for South Asian Canadians facing anxiety and depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a proven treatment method, and this project adjusts it to fit the cultural needs of South Asian Canadians.
Activities
The project ran from April 2019 to March 2023 and had three phases.
- Phase 1: Conducted interviews to understand mental health views in the South Asian community.
- Phase 2: Tested the adapted Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a pilot study using a randomized controlled trial.
- Phase 3: Trained therapists across Canada in Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and revised the manual based on their feedback.
Link to the Ottawa Immigration Strategy
The Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy initiative aims to improve mental health services for South Asians in Canada. This aligns with priority six of the ‘Health and Wellbeing’ sector table, which focuses on improving local healthcare data and fostering relevant research. By adapting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to South Asian cultures, the project aims to enhance mental health support and help this community integrate into Canadian society.
Timelines and Milestones
The project started in April 2019 and ended in March 2023. The results showed that Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a good fit for South Asian Canadians and highlighted the need for culturally sensitive care. The study suggests expanding Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to other racialized groups and exploring more culturally adapted psychotherapies. Future research should test Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in non-virtual settings and look at factors that affect its success.
Impact Areas and Client Outcomes
The project showed that Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a suitable treatment for South Asian Canadians. It stressed the need for mental health providers to understand cultural issues, family dynamics, and stigma. The research found that South Asian communities are willing to use formal services that respect their values, beliefs, and language. It also highlighted the importance of involving family and building trust between providers and clients.
Conclusion
The Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy initiative has shown the value of culturally adapted mental health services for South Asians in Canada. The findings can help guide policy, program development, and service planning to meet the needs of diverse populations. Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre’s involvement in this four-year project shows its dedication to improving mental health care for diverse communities in Ottawa and beyond.
