Culturally responsive adaptations to evidence-based interventions for Black adolescents.

Abstract

This article explores the vital role of culturally responsive adaptations in evidence-based interventions for Black youth. While evidence-based interventions have proven effective in addressing adolescent mental health challenges, it is clear that a one-size-fits-all approach does not consider the diverse cultural factors influencing mental health and help-seeking behaviors of Black youth. This article focuses on the unique needs of Black adolescents, who often face disparities in accessing culturally appropriate mental health services, and emphasizes the significance of cultural adaptations in mental health interventions, highlighting the positive impact of such adaptations on treatment outcomes, retention, and client satisfaction. A review of previous studies on cultural adaptations for Black adolescents is provided along with the application of a process for completing cultural adaptations using the ecological validity and cultural sensitivity framework (Bernal et al., 1995), a versatile model for adapting interventions. Practical examples of cultural adaptations within each of the elements of the ecological validity and cultural sensitivity framework are also provided. This article contributes to the growing body of knowledge on culturally responsive mental health care and advocates for more inclusive and effective interventions for Black adolescents, highlighting the importance of cultural adaptations in evidence-based interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).