Abstract

Research regarding cultural matching in clinician and client dyads as a means of improving care for underserved populations has become less prevalent over the past two decades. This review sought to examine and synthesize the existing literature on the relationship between three forms of cultural matching (i.e., racial matching, ethnic matching, and language matching) and mental health treatment utilization and outcomes for Asian Americans. Following an extensive database search process, we identified a total of 10 peer-reviewed studies as relevant to the review's topic. Overall, results from the studies suggest that ethnic and language matching were associated with an increased number of treatment sessions and reduced rates of treatment dropout. Conversely, the review provided limited evidence that cultural matching variables predict treatment outcomes. The review identified several mediating and moderating factors that could influence the interactions between these variables. The results of the review can direct future research and interventions to improve the mental health of Asian Americans. Future research should use more generalizable data and randomized controlled designs to further elucidate the relationship between these variables in the Asian American population. Likewise, interventions with Asian Americans should focus on developing the initial therapeutic alliance and integrating culturally sensitive interventions to increase treatment utilization during the initial stage of therapy.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Asian Americans—Mental health services; Mental health services—Utilization; Physician and patient—Cross-cultural studies

Date of Award

2025

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Natasha Thapar-Olmos

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS