Abstract
This study examined the cultural competency dimensions of work in the mental health field, with particular reference to services for women who are dually diagnosed with mental health and substance abuse disorders. This quantitative, exploratory study used a non-probability, convenience sample of 31 respondents with experience and/or knowledge of services offered by mental health agencies that provide services for women diagnosed with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. Literature review conducted for this study substantiated the fact that dual diagnosis treatment bifurcates a complex phenomenon and compartmentalizes the treatment modalities offered by mental health and substance abuse treatment providers. Key study findings indicate that extraneous variables pertaining to demographic profiles of the participants is not a differentiating factor of the cultural competency scores of the respondents; and that the participants’ likelihood of having received gender specific training is not contingent upon the agency having a policy for handling inappropriate language or behavior related to gender. Additionally there were statistically significant strong positive correlation (r (31) =.873, p < .05) between the participant’s agency having a policy for handling staff members’ inappropriate language or behavior related to gender and agencies having a policy for handling inappropriate language or behavior related to ethnicity. Medium positive correlation was also found between participants’ understanding of the impact of culture on life’s activities and the participants’ agencies gradations on the policy for handling staff members’ inappropriate language or behavior relating to ethnicity. Recommendations include the need for the incorporation of consistent training on culturally competent services for professionals, in the mental health field, to understand the way gender specific stereotypes mediate the quality of services for women diagnosed with both substance abuse and mental health related issues.