ACTS Consulting Online School

Cultural competence has evolved into more than a discrete skill set or knowledge base; it also requires ongoing self-evaluation on the part of the practitioner. Culturally competent counselors are aware of their own cultural groups and of their values, assumptions, and biases regarding other cultural groups. Moreover, culturally competent counselors strive to understand how these factors affect their ability to provide culturally effective services to clients. Given the complex definition of culture and the fact that racially and ethnically diverse clients represent a growing portion of the client population, the need to update and expand guidelines for cultural competence is increasing. The consensus panel thus adapted existing guidelines from the Association of Multicultural Counseling for culturally responsive behavioral health services; some of their key suggestions for counselors and other clinical staff are outlined in this chapter.  (SAMHSA, 2015). 

Course Modality. This is an independent home-study course. Students will take the course according to their own timeline. 

CE’s: 6 contact hours. (Reading course text / articles and Application to Practice). To receive the course completion certificate, each student is required to complete and submit Learning Contract, read all text-based materials, view any media posted, complete and submit chapter discussion questions, complete and pass course examination, and complete and submit course evaluation.

Text / Student Resources. Improving Cultural Competence TIP 59. (SAMHSA, 2015).  All course materials will be uploaded to the course platform.