Cognitive behaviour therapy across cultures

Abstract

The Delivering Race Equality (DRE) in mental health action plan endorses the need for a balanced range of effective therapies including psychotherapeutic and counselling treatments that are culturally appropriate and effective. Cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is a widely used and acceptable therapy for most mental health disorders, but explanations used in CBT are based on Western concepts and illness models. For reasons explained here, CBT remains the psychotherapeutic model of choice across cultures if adapted appropriately. Dissemination of cognitive therapy across widely diverse cultures is increasingly occurring. The evidence to support this is explored as are problems associated with using therapy that is not culturally adapted.