Disparities in treating culturally diverse children and adolescents

Abstract

This article considers disparities in the psychiatric care of racial and ethnic children and adolescents, with respect to their under-utilization and under-treatment, especially with psychotropic medications. Culturally adapted psychotherapeutic approaches are discussed, as well as the notion of a culturally competent clinician who strives to apply his or her clinical skills while constantly making adjustments to the beliefs, habits, and circumstances of culturally diverse children and their parents, one patient at a time.