Currently, many treatment and prevention models disregard or de-emphasize the powerful variant that cultural, environmental, socioeconomic, and political factors have on human behavior. CASA’s approach to treatment and prevention has been rooted in part on the belief that effective treatment and/or prevention strategies for the LGBTQ, African-American and Latino communities, should include (but not be limited to) the following goals:

 

• A thorough understanding of the historical realities of Slavery, Segregation, Migrations, and Civil rights.  

 

• A contemporary understanding of the current confluence of negative forces threatening the LGBTQ, African-American and Latino communities. 

 

• An appreciation and willingness to utilize the vast spiritual resources in the African-American and Latino communities.

 

• An appreciation for the personal experience of being LGBTQ, Black or Latino within a larger culture that can be indifferent, fearful, and at times hateful.  Further, an understanding of the concepts of marginalization and fractionalization as it applies to these communities.

 

• A treatment approach that focuses on the intolerable intrapsychic tension and sense of worthlessness experienced by marginalized communities that can also be a concomitant of substance abuse.

 

• An ability to recognize and challenge social/cultural biases and stereotypes encountered when reviewing and considering models of treatment and prevention.

 

• An ability to apply cultural concepts of pain, illness, wellness, and recovery in assessments, diagnosis, and treatment.

 

• An understanding and appreciation for social/cultural styles of teaching and learning in the implementation and development of treatment and prevention models.

 

• A recognition of the need for treatment and prevention professionals from the LGBTQ community and communities of color that can model and reinforce positive images for recoverees.

 

• A willingness to examine styles of communication with people of color as well as an understanding of non-verbal behavior among people of color.

 

• An ongoing appreciation and understanding of one’s own social/cultural background and its significance to cross-cultural situations.

 

• A treatment approach that recognizes and validates its clients through meaningful social/cultural celebrations and events that are as inspirational as they are empowering.
   

Overall, this cultural response to treatment has played an important role in the process of recovery for many of CASA’s recoverees who feel empowered and hopeful about themselves and their communities. CASA believes that, the conception of a multicultural perspective in addressing issues of prevention and treatment is an effective strategy for individual and continued community development.  CASA remains committed to being a key community resource that offers culturally centered treatment for those marginalized individuals with substance abuse and behavioral health struggles.