As a professional that will encounter diversity in our work, it is our responsibility to better prepare ourselves, by learning all we can about the cultures/diversity we are working with (APA, 2002). At one point, there are recommendations for social interactions outside of our own culture.

Remember, all of us will deal with diversity, working with individuals from differing cultures than your own....even if you are not working in the Mental Health Field. How can you better prepare yourself to be effective in working outside your primary cultural group? If you got a job tomorrow in an inner-city community, working for a clinic frequented by patients from a different culture than your own, what would be your first step in preparation for being successful? What are your thoughts on discussing cultural differences with your client? Explain your response.