Mental health care tailored to the specific needs of Los Angeles’ Thai community has gained attention, leading to the formulation of six key recommendations. These insights stem from conversations with therapists, social workers, and researchers focused on enhancing treatment for Thai and broader Asian American populations. The strategies emphasize practical support, family involvement, and community mindfulness practices.
Addressing Practical Needs First
One significant concern is the high dropout rate among Asian American clients after initiating therapy. Gordon Hall, a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Oregon, highlights that many therapists focus on emotional expression before addressing practical issues. This approach can leave clients feeling disconnected from their treatment. Hall suggests that therapists need to prioritize practical problems, stating, “What do my thoughts and feelings have to do with this conflict I’m having with my mom, or this issue with my boss about asking for a raise?”
In practical terms, Natyra Na Takuathung, a case manager at the Asian Pacific Counseling & Treatment Centers, collaborates with psychiatric social worker Wanda Pathomrit to assist clients, particularly Thai immigrants, in navigating social benefit applications. By intertwining case management with therapy, Pathomrit helps clients tackle real-world issues while developing coping skills. “By coaching in the moment, I help clients grow confidence and self-esteem while accessing services,” Pathomrit said. This approach has proven crucial for high-risk cases where traditional methods may fall short.
Despite the availability of support, some clients hesitate to seek help due to cultural beliefs about self-reliance. “They had this idea that if they did not ask for public benefits, then they were ‘good immigrants,’” Na Takuathung explained. She emphasizes the importance of alleviating this guilt, reinforcing that their contributions to society warrant the acceptance of support.
Involving Family in Care
Culturally competent care requires recognizing the collective nature of many Asian communities. Hall and his co-author, Janie Hong, assert that typical Western therapy emphasizes individualism, which can deter Asian Americans from seeking help. Hall notes, “If you have a problem, that implicates your whole group.”
Christina Shea, chief clinical officer of Richmond Area Multi-Services, stresses the value of family involvement in therapy. “If you work with one individual, that’s not enough,” she said. This perspective is echoed by Phramaha Dusit Sawaengwong, a monk at Wat Thai of Los Angeles, who observes conflicts arising from differing expectations between immigrant parents and their children.
Sawaengwong advises parents to support their children’s exploration of opportunities, allowing them to learn and grow without the burden of high expectations.
Engaging the Community in Care
Support networks extend beyond family, as highlighted by Danielle Ung, an assistant professor at Bastyr University. She focuses on the impact of community on mental health, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. “Community can mean friends, extended families, even the community which you live in,” Ung noted.
At Wat Thai, volunteer teachers Pam Evagee and Ta Sanalak facilitate Thai-language lessons and cultural programs. They encourage parents to understand the cultural shifts their children face while also helping students appreciate their heritage.
Many children, who may feel isolated as the only Thai student in their school, find camaraderie at the temple. Parents often gather to cook and share advice, creating a supportive environment that fosters connection.
Practicing Mindfulness in Context
Mindfulness, an important aspect of Buddhism, is gaining traction in mental health practices. While many Western therapies include mindfulness techniques, they often center on individual experiences. Hall advocates for a more community-focused approach, such as loving-kindness meditation, which emphasizes gratitude towards others.
Buddhist monk Phiphop Phuphong employs this practice when helping those facing significant life changes. He recounts guiding a diabetic man dealing with the emotional aftermath of an amputation. Through mindfulness exercises, Phuphong helped him find peace: “Your body is your present,” he advised, encouraging the man to embrace his new reality.
Progressing Health Policies and Training
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health has taken steps to enhance cultural competency in its services. Dr. Lisa Wong, who leads the department, acknowledges the ongoing challenges, particularly in recruiting a diverse workforce. Many immigrants opt for more lucrative careers instead of mental health professions, contributing to a lack of representation.
According to Carl Highshaw, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers’ California chapter, existing mental health models often reflect Eurocentric perspectives. “We need to adapt and co-create interventions that honor cultural traditions, family systems, and community networks,” he stated.
Beyond the Thai Community
The recommendations developed for the Thai community can extend to other diverse populations as well. Hall emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural context while avoiding stereotypes. “Not all Asian Americans are going to respond to a problem-solving approach,” he remarked.
For Highshaw, cultural competence is essential in a diverse state like California. “Ensuring that interventions reflect the lived experiences, values, and strengths of the communities we serve is an ethical responsibility,” he concluded.
These recommendations represent a significant step toward improving mental healthcare for the Thai community and other marginalized groups, fostering a holistic approach that values the interconnectedness of individuals, families, and communities.
