Target Population Cultural Considerations

Primary demographic make-up of target population
The Battered Mind Organization will be based in Rockford, Illinois. Over two thirds
of the city’s residents are White. The biggest minority group in the city is African Americans
who make up around 22% of the population (World Population Review, 2020). Thus, in
terms of demographics, the organization will primarily serve Whites.
Need for specialized requirement or certification for the population
As long as the staff are qualified to offer therapy sessions using cognitive behavioral
therapy techniques, there is no need for additional certification for the population. The
primary group that is targeted for the organization’s services is Whites. Since Whites have
not experienced issues that may impact their treatment, such as racism, traditional cognitive
behavioral therapy techniques will suffice to address to address their needs.
How to address the needs of clients that come for service from differing cultures than
the primary demographic
Given that the primary demographic (Whites) just make up two thirds of the city’s
population, there is high likelihood that the organization will receive clients from other
demographics as well. In particular, the organization is likely to receive African American
clients who make up around 22% of the city’s population. Even though cognitive behavioral
therapy techniques, which the organization will use for treatment of its clients, are focused on
individuals rather than groups, it will still be important to prepare staff to handle unique
issues that affect minority cultural groups, such as African Americans.
To provide effective services to African American clients, it will be important for the
staff to take into account several factors that are related to the client’s race. For instance,

African Americans are likely to have an early termination of their therapy sessions compared
to Whites. Thus, it may be necessary for staff to be flexible when dealing with African
American clients. Such an approach will help staff to offer therapy services that are
characterized by cultural competence and sensitivity.

References

Kelly, S. (2019). Cognitive behavior therapy with African Americans.
World Population Review (2020). Rockford, Illinois Population 2020.
https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/rockford-il-population