Culturally Informed Therapy for Schizophrenia

Approximately one percent of adults in the United States will be diagnosed with schizophrenia or a related schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). While traditional family therapies have shown increasing efficacy in reducing relapse rates and improving mental health for this population there is a rising need for improved clinical training to meet the needs of unique and culturally diverse clients in an efficient skillful and culturally relevant manner. <p/><em>Culturally Informed Therapy for Schizophrenia: Clinician Guide</em> is designed for clinicians and researchers looking to implement empirically supported culturally responsible treatment for clients diagnosed with schizophrenia and other SSDs. CIT-S is a 15-week program that integrates components of family therapy with a cognitive behavioral approach for managing schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The intervention draws upon clients' cultural beliefs practices and traditions to help them conceptualize and manage mental illness. CIT-S contains five distinct modules on the following topics: family collectivism psychoeducation spirituality communication training and problem solving. Each module includes background information therapy instructions homework assignments and case vignettes for ease of access. <em>Culturally Informed Therapy for Schizophrenia</em> considers patients' cultural norms while addressing the challenges of mental illness within the family structure. This guide is a must-have for practitioners and students alike looking to provide highly individualized and culturally competent treatment across a range of presentations.<br>