Pathomrit explained that she integrates case management into her therapy sessions because many clients with depression, trauma or avoidance behaviors may struggle to maintain relationships with case managers or follow through on referrals. Instead of separating the roles, she uses real-world situations \u2014 navigating the Department of Public Social Services or substance treatment centers \u2014 as opportunities to build coping skills, practice emotional regulation and foster self-compassion.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy coaching in the moment, I help clients grow confidence and self-esteem while accessing services,\u201d Pathomrit said. \u201cFor high-need, high-risk cases, this intensive approach is not \u2018extra\u2019 \u2014 it\u2019s critical for progress.\u201d<\/p>\n
But some clients are hesitant to accept help, explained Na Takuathung, because they believe they will \u201cburden\u201d society by doing so.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey had this idea that if they did not ask for public benefits, then they were \u2018good immigrants,\u2019\u201d Na Takuathung said. \u201cThey would think it\u2019s better that they struggled and made their own money, and even if it wasn\u2019t enough, they would just struggle in silence.\u201d<\/p>\n
The choice is ultimately up to them, Na Takuathung said. But she explains how these programs can relieve some of their stress, reminding them that they do not have to feel guilty.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve been living in this country. You contributed to this country, too,\u201d Na Takuathung said. \u201cYou deserve kindness.\u201d<\/p>\n
Involving family in care<\/p>\n
In a study<\/a> examining culturally competent treatments for Asian Americans, Hall and co-author Janie Hong explain that Western-based approaches tend to emphasize individualism and personal reflection.<\/p>\n \u201cYou go in, you have to talk about your problems, you have to verbalize what\u2019s going on inside to a stranger within 50 minutes, and that healing happens through this vocalization of your internal experiences,\u201d said Hong, a clinical associate professor at Stanford Medicine.<\/p>\n In contrast, many Asian communities are rooted in collectivist cultures, where identity and wellness are deeply intertwined with family and group harmony.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re in a community where everyone\u2019s supposed to be taking care of you and you\u2019re supposed to be taking care of them, if you have a problem, that implicates your whole group,\u201d Hall said. \u201cApproaches that are very focused on the individual \u2026 may deter Asian Americans from seeking treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n As the chief clinical officer of Richmond Area Multi-Services, one of the country\u2019s first agencies addressing Asian American and Pacific Islander communities\u2019 needs for culturally competent services, Christina Shea has observed the value of involving family members in a person\u2019s care.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you work with [a client] in the Western psychology, it helps because that\u2019s one unit,\u201d Shea said. \u201cBut if you work with, say, somebody from Southeast Asia [and] you work with one individual, that\u2019s not enough. That\u2019s not a unit, because that person is connected with the family.\u201d<\/p>\n