Glossary

A table covered in books, with a stack of papers and a pen lying next to them. A person is seen flipping through a large glossary book of mental health therapy terms and conditions

Addiction: A chronic and relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences

Adjustment disorder: A short-term emotional and behavioral reaction to a stressful event or change in an individual’s life

Anxiety: A feeling of unease, worry, or fear that can be mild or severe and is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling

Bipolar disorder: A mood disorder characterized by extreme changes in mood

Borderline personality disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by a pattern of instability in personal relationships

Depression: A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness

Eating disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by abnormal eating habits

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): A mental health disorder characterized by repetitive

Panic disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by sudden and repeated episodes of intense fear or discomfort

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A mental health disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event

Psychologist: A mental health professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders through talk therapy and other interventions

Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders and can prescribe medication

Psychotherapy: A general term used to describe the process of addressing mental health concerns through talk-based interventions with a trained mental health professional

Resilience: The ability to adapt and bounce back from difficult or challenging situations

Schizophrenia: A chronic and severe mental health disorder characterized by abnormal perceptions

Self-care: Intentional and proactive practice of taking care of oneself, both physically and mentally

Social anxiety disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by intense fear or anxiety in social situations

Stress: The body’s response to a real or perceived threat or challenge

Substance abuse: The use of drugs or alcohol in a way that is harmful or interferes with daily functioning

Suicide: The act of intentionally taking one’s own life

Trauma: A distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope

Well-being: Overall state of physical, mental, and emotional health and happiness of an individual

Antidepressants: Medications used to treat depression and other mood disorders by altering levels of neurotransmitters in the brain

Antipsychotics: Medications used to treat psychotic disorders

Cognitive restructuring: A therapeutic technique used in cognitive-behavioral therapy to challenge and change negative thoughts and beliefs

Delusion: A false belief that is firmly held despite evidence to the contrary

Dissociative disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by a disruption in consciousness

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): A medical treatment for severe depression

Hallucination: A perception of something that is not present

Hypomania: A less severe form of mania

Major depressive disorder: A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness

Mania: A state of elevated mood

Medication management: The process of prescribing

Mental health: The state of emotional

Mood stabilizers: Medications used to treat bipolar disorder by stabilizing mood and preventing episodes of mania or depression

Neurotransmitter: A chemical messenger that transmits signals between neurons in the brain and nervous system

Panic attack: A sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort

Personality disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by patterns of thinking

Phobia: An extreme or irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity, which can lead to avoidance and interference with daily life

Psychoeducation: The process of providing education and information about mental health disorders

Relaxation techniques: Techniques used to reduce stress and promote relaxation

Social support: The assistance, care, and encouragement provided by individuals in one’s social network, such as family, friends, and peers

Stigma: Negative attitudes and beliefs about mental health disorders that can lead to discrimination and prejudice

Substance use disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by continued use of drugs or alcohol despite negative consequences

Therapy dog: A trained dog that provides emotional support and comfort to individuals with mental health disorders.

Tolerance: A state in which the body or brain becomes less responsive to a substance

Tricyclic antidepressants: A class of medications used to treat depression and other mood disorders by altering levels of neurotransmitters in the brain

Withdrawal: The physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person abruptly stops using a substance

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention

Social anxiety disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by intense fear or anxiety in social situations that interferes with daily functioning

Dissociative identity disorder (DID): A mental health disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities that alternately control behavior

Schizoaffective disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorders

Dual diagnosis: The presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder

Family therapy: A type of therapy that focuses on the dynamics of family relationships and communication patterns to improve family functioning and resolve conflicts

Group therapy: A type of therapy that involves a group of individuals who share similar experiences or concerns and are led by a trained therapist to support each other and learn coping skills

Mindfulness: A practice of paying attention to the present moment with a non-judgmental attitude

Motivational interviewing: A type of therapy that focuses on exploring and resolving ambivalence about making changes to behavior

Self-care: Deliberate actions taken to maintain or improve physical, emotional, and mental health and well-being

Self-esteem: The subjective evaluation of one’s worth and value as a person

Stress management: Techniques and strategies used to reduce or cope with stress

Suicide: The act of intentionally taking one’s own life

Trauma: A deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have lasting negative effects on an individual’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being

Psychotherapy: A general term for a range of talk therapies that involve working with a trained mental health professional to improve mental health and well-being

Crisis intervention: Immediate and short-term interventions used to provide support and resources during a mental health crisis

Mind-body therapies: Therapies that focus on the connection between mental and physical health

Psychopharmacology: The study of the use of medications to treat mental health disorders

Resilience: The ability to adapt and cope with adversity or stress

Stigma: Negative attitudes or beliefs about individuals with mental health disorders that can lead to discrimination and social exclusion

Teletherapy: The provision of therapy services through telecommunication technologies

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to treat depression and other mental health disorders

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): A medical procedure that involves inducing a brief seizure by passing an electrical current through the brain

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): A type of therapy that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies to treat conditions such as borderline personality disorder

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): A type of therapy that focuses on increasing psychological flexibility and developing acceptance skills to improve mental health and well-being

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): A type of therapy that uses eye movements and other forms of bilateral stimulation to help individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences

Psychosis: A mental health condition characterized by a loss of contact with reality

Anhedonia: The inability to experience pleasure or enjoy activities that were once enjoyable

Rumination: The tendency to repetitively and passively dwell on negative thoughts and feelings without taking action to resolve them

Affective disorders: A category of mental health disorders characterized by disturbances in mood or emotional state

Personality disorders: A category of mental health disorders characterized by patterns of thoughts

Psychiatric rehabilitation: A type of treatment that focuses on restoring daily living skills and improving functioning in individuals with mental health disorders

Neuropsychology: The study of the relationship between brain function and behavior

Resilience training: A type of therapy that focuses on developing coping skills and increasing resilience to stress and adversity

Psychoneuroimmunology: The study of the interactions between psychological processes, the nervous system, and the immune system and their impact on physical health

Dual diagnosis treatment: Treatment that addresses both mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously

Mind-body medicine: An approach to health and well-being that focuses on the connection between the mind and body and the use of techniques such as meditation

Mental health parity: The concept that mental health and substance use disorders should be treated with the same level of coverage and benefits as physical health conditions

Cognitive remediation therapy: A type of therapy that focuses on improving cognitive skills

Telepsychiatry: The use of telecommunication technologies to provide psychiatric evaluations and treatment to individuals

Psychodynamic therapy: A type of therapy that focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts and emotions to improve mental health and well-being

Trauma-informed care: An approach to care that recognizes the impact of trauma on individuals’ mental health and well-being and seeks to create a safe and supportive environment for healing

Psychiatric nurse practitioner (PNP): A licensed healthcare provider who specializes in providing psychiatric evaluations and treatment

Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating mood

Cognitive distortions: Patterns of thinking that are inaccurate or irrational and can contribute to mental health disorders

Mental health first aid: Training that teaches individuals how to recognize and respond to signs of mental health disorders and crises

Emotional intelligence: The ability to understand and regulate one’s own emotions and to recognize and respond to the emotions of others

Therapeutic alliance: The relationship between a therapist and a client

Mental health advocacy: Efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs): Negative experiences in childhood

Cognitive decline: The gradual loss of cognitive function

Psychosomatic disorders: Physical symptoms that are caused or exacerbated by psychological factors

Sensory processing disorder: A condition in which an individual has difficulty processing and responding to sensory stimuli

Play therapy: A type of therapy that uses play and other creative activities to help children express and work through emotions and experiences

Social anxiety disorder: A type of anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear and avoidance of social situations and interactions

Panic disorder: A type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks

Phobias: Intense and irrational fears of specific objects

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): A type of anxiety disorder characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry and anxiety about a variety of everyday concerns

Dissociative disorders: A group of mental health disorders characterized by disruptions in a person’s consciousness

Schizophrenia: A serious mental illness characterized by a range of symptoms

Personality disorders: A group of mental health disorders characterized by persistent patterns of thoughts

Substance use disorder (SUD): A mental health disorder characterized by continued use of drugs or alcohol despite adverse consequences

Eating disorders: A group of mental health disorders characterized by disturbances in eating behaviors and body image

Suicidal ideation: Thoughts or ideas of wanting to harm oneself

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI): Deliberate and non-suicidal acts of self-harm

Psychotropic medication: Medications that affect the brain and are used to treat mental health disorders

Stigma: Negative attitudes and beliefs about mental illness and individuals who experience mental health disorders

Resilience: The ability to adapt and cope with stress and adversity

Coping skills: Techniques and strategies used to manage stress

Mindfulness: The practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment

Meditation: A practice of focusing the mind on a particular object

Teletherapy: The delivery of mental health services through online or phone communication

Support group: A group of individuals who share similar experiences or challenges

Psychiatric hospitalization: Inpatient treatment in a hospital setting for individuals experiencing severe mental health symptoms or crises

Intensive outpatient program (IOP): A structured treatment program that provides therapy and support for individuals with mental health disorders

Trauma-informed care: An approach to healthcare that recognizes the impact of trauma on mental health and focuses on creating safe and supportive environments for individuals who have experienced trauma

Cultural competence: The ability of healthcare providers to understand and respect cultural differences and provide appropriate care to individuals from diverse backgrounds

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): A class of antidepressant medications that work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.

Attachment styles: Patterns of attachment behavior that develop based on early childhood relationships with caregivers. Common styles are secure, anxious, avoidant.

Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to structurally and functionally change and adapt in response to experience or injury. This underlies the brain’s capacity to learn and change.

Coping skills: Strategies and techniques people can use to tolerate and mitigate distress, strengthen resilience, and support mental health and wellbeing. Examples are exercise, relaxation, connecting with others.

Boundaries: Guidelines and limits we set on what we find acceptable in relationships. Healthy boundaries support well-being.

Validation: The communication of understanding, acceptance, and respect for another person’s experiences and perspective. A key therapeutic skill.

Mirroring: A therapeutic technique where the therapist reflects back the client’s emotions and body language to build rapport and trust.

Transference: The phenomenon where a therapy client unconsciously redirects feelings and attitudes originally associated with a person or event in the past onto the therapist.

 

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Glossary Of Terms

Addiction: A chronic and relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences

Adjustment disorder: A short-term emotional and behavioral reaction to a stressful event or change in an individual’s life

Anxiety: A feeling of unease, worry, or fear that can be mild or severe and is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling

Bipolar disorder: A mood disorder characterized by extreme changes in mood

Borderline personality disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by a pattern of instability in personal relationships

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): A form of therapy that focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors to improve emotional well-being and overall functioning

Depression: A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness

Eating disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by abnormal eating habits

Group therapy: A form of therapy that involves a group of people who meet regularly to discuss their experiences

Mindfulness: The practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): A mental health disorder characterized by repetitive

Panic disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by sudden and repeated episodes of intense fear or discomfort

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A mental health disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event

Psychologist: A mental health professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders through talk therapy and other interventions

Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders and can prescribe medication

Psychotherapy: A general term used to describe the process of addressing mental health concerns through talk-based interventions with a trained mental health professional

Resilience: The ability to adapt and bounce back from difficult or challenging situations

Schizophrenia: A chronic and severe mental health disorder characterized by abnormal perceptions

Self-care: Intentional and proactive practice of taking care of oneself, both physically and mentally

Social anxiety disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by intense fear or anxiety in social situations

Stress: The body’s response to a real or perceived threat or challenge

Substance abuse: The use of drugs or alcohol in a way that is harmful or interferes with daily functioning

Suicide: The act of intentionally taking one’s own life

Therapy: The process of addressing and resolving psychological or emotional issues through talk-based interventions

Trauma: A distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope

Well-being: Overall state of physical, mental, and emotional health and happiness of an individual

Antidepressants: Medications used to treat depression and other mood disorders by altering levels of neurotransmitters in the brain

Antipsychotics: Medications used to treat psychotic disorders

Cognitive restructuring: A therapeutic technique used in cognitive-behavioral therapy to challenge and change negative thoughts and beliefs

Delusion: A false belief that is firmly held despite evidence to the contrary

Dissociative disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by a disruption in consciousness

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): A medical treatment for severe depression

Hallucination: A perception of something that is not present

Hypomania: A less severe form of mania

Major depressive disorder: A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness

Mania: A state of elevated mood

Medication management: The process of prescribing

Mental health: The state of emotional

Mood stabilizers: Medications used to treat bipolar disorder by stabilizing mood and preventing episodes of mania or depression

Neurotransmitter: A chemical messenger that transmits signals between neurons in the brain and nervous system

Panic attack: A sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort

Personality disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by patterns of thinking

Phobia: An extreme or irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity, which can lead to avoidance and interference with daily life

Psychoeducation: The process of providing education and information about mental health disorders

Psychosis: A severe mental health disorder characterized by a loss of touch with reality

Relaxation techniques: Techniques used to reduce stress and promote relaxation

Social support: The assistance, care, and encouragement provided by individuals in one’s social network, such as family, friends, and peers

Stigma: Negative attitudes and beliefs about mental health disorders that can lead to discrimination and prejudice

Substance use disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by continued use of drugs or alcohol despite negative consequences

Therapy dog: A trained dog that provides emotional support and comfort to individuals with mental health disorders.

Tolerance: A state in which the body or brain becomes less responsive to a substance

Tricyclic antidepressants: A class of medications used to treat depression and other mood disorders by altering levels of neurotransmitters in the brain

Withdrawal: The physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person abruptly stops using a substance

Bipolar disorder: A mood disorder characterized by episodes of mania and depression

Schizophrenia: A severe mental health disorder characterized by delusions

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention

Social anxiety disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by intense fear or anxiety in social situations that interferes with daily functioning

Borderline personality disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by intense and unstable relationships

Dissociative identity disorder (DID): A mental health disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities that alternately control behavior

Schizoaffective disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorders

Dual diagnosis: The presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder

Family therapy: A type of therapy that focuses on the dynamics of family relationships and communication patterns to improve family functioning and resolve conflicts

Group therapy: A type of therapy that involves a group of individuals who share similar experiences or concerns and are led by a trained therapist to support each other and learn coping skills

Mindfulness: A practice of paying attention to the present moment with a non-judgmental attitude

Motivational interviewing: A type of therapy that focuses on exploring and resolving ambivalence about making changes to behavior

Self-care: Deliberate actions taken to maintain or improve physical, emotional, and mental health and well-being

Self-esteem: The subjective evaluation of one’s worth and value as a person

Stress management: Techniques and strategies used to reduce or cope with stress

Suicide: The act of intentionally taking one’s own life

Trauma: A deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have lasting negative effects on an individual’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being

Psychotherapy: A general term for a range of talk therapies that involve working with a trained mental health professional to improve mental health and well-being

Crisis intervention: Immediate and short-term interventions used to provide support and resources during a mental health crisis

Mind-body therapies: Therapies that focus on the connection between mental and physical health

Psychopharmacology: The study of the use of medications to treat mental health disorders

Resilience: The ability to adapt and cope with adversity or stress

Stigma: Negative attitudes or beliefs about individuals with mental health disorders that can lead to discrimination and social exclusion

Teletherapy: The provision of therapy services through telecommunication technologies

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to treat depression and other mental health disorders

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): A medical procedure that involves inducing a brief seizure by passing an electrical current through the brain

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): A type of therapy that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies to treat conditions such as borderline personality disorder

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): A type of therapy that focuses on increasing psychological flexibility and developing acceptance skills to improve mental health and well-being

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): A type of therapy that uses eye movements and other forms of bilateral stimulation to help individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences

Psychosis: A mental health condition characterized by a loss of contact with reality

Anhedonia: The inability to experience pleasure or enjoy activities that were once enjoyable

Rumination: The tendency to repetitively and passively dwell on negative thoughts and feelings without taking action to resolve them

Affective disorders: A category of mental health disorders characterized by disturbances in mood or emotional state

Personality disorders: A category of mental health disorders characterized by patterns of thoughts

Psychiatric rehabilitation: A type of treatment that focuses on restoring daily living skills and improving functioning in individuals with mental health disorders

Neuropsychology: The study of the relationship between brain function and behavior

Resilience training: A type of therapy that focuses on developing coping skills and increasing resilience to stress and adversity

Psychoneuroimmunology: The study of the interactions between psychological processes, the nervous system, and the immune system and their impact on physical health

Dual diagnosis treatment: Treatment that addresses both mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously

Mind-body medicine: An approach to health and well-being that focuses on the connection between the mind and body and the use of techniques such as meditation

Mental health parity: The concept that mental health and substance use disorders should be treated with the same level of coverage and benefits as physical health conditions

Cognitive remediation therapy: A type of therapy that focuses on improving cognitive skills

Expressive arts therapy: A type of therapy that uses the creative expression

Telepsychiatry: The use of telecommunication technologies to provide psychiatric evaluations and treatment to individuals

Mentalization-based therapy (MBT): A type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals develop the ability to understand their own and others’ mental states

Psychodynamic therapy: A type of therapy that focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts and emotions to improve mental health and well-being

Trauma-informed care: An approach to care that recognizes the impact of trauma on individuals’ mental health and well-being and seeks to create a safe and supportive environment for healing

Psychiatric nurse practitioner (PNP): A licensed healthcare provider who specializes in providing psychiatric evaluations and treatment

Interpersonal therapy (IPT): A type of therapy that focuses on improving relationships and communication skills to improve mental health and well-being

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR): A type of therapy that uses mindfulness meditation and other techniques to help individuals cope with stress and improve mental health and well-being

Positive psychology: The study of factors that contribute to human flourishing and well-being

Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating mood

Cognitive distortions: Patterns of thinking that are inaccurate or irrational and can contribute to mental health disorders

Mental health first aid: Training that teaches individuals how to recognize and respond to signs of mental health disorders and crises

Emotional intelligence: The ability to understand and regulate one’s own emotions and to recognize and respond to the emotions of others

Therapeutic alliance: The relationship between a therapist and a client

Mental health advocacy: Efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs): Negative experiences in childhood

Cognitive decline: The gradual loss of cognitive function

Psychosomatic disorders: Physical symptoms that are caused or exacerbated by psychological factors

Sensory processing disorder: A condition in which an individual has difficulty processing and responding to sensory stimuli

Play therapy: A type of therapy that uses play and other creative activities to help children express and work through emotions and experiences

Social anxiety disorder: A type of anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear and avoidance of social situations and interactions

Panic disorder: A type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks

Phobias: Intense and irrational fears of specific objects

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): A type of anxiety disorder characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry and anxiety about a variety of everyday concerns

Dissociative disorders: A group of mental health disorders characterized by disruptions in a person’s consciousness

Schizophrenia: A serious mental illness characterized by a range of symptoms

Bipolar disorder: A mental illness characterized by episodes of both depression and mania

Major depressive disorder (MDD): A mental illness characterized by persistent feelings of sadness

Personality disorders: A group of mental health disorders characterized by persistent patterns of thoughts

Substance use disorder (SUD): A mental health disorder characterized by continued use of drugs or alcohol despite adverse consequences

Eating disorders: A group of mental health disorders characterized by disturbances in eating behaviors and body image

Suicidal ideation: Thoughts or ideas of wanting to harm oneself

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI): Deliberate and non-suicidal acts of self-harm

Psychotropic medication: Medications that affect the brain and are used to treat mental health disorders

Stigma: Negative attitudes and beliefs about mental illness and individuals who experience mental health disorders

Resilience: The ability to adapt and cope with stress and adversity

Coping skills: Techniques and strategies used to manage stress

Self-care: Activities and behaviors that promote physical

Mindfulness: The practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment

Meditation: A practice of focusing the mind on a particular object

Interpersonal therapy (IPT): A type of therapy that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and resolving interpersonal problems

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): A type of therapy that uses rapid eye movements and other techniques to help individuals process and overcome traumatic experiences

Psychoanalysis: A type of therapy that focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts

Psychodynamic therapy: A type of therapy that focuses on the role of unconscious thoughts and childhood experiences in shaping personality and behavior

Teletherapy: The delivery of mental health services through online or phone communication

Support group: A group of individuals who share similar experiences or challenges

Family therapy: A type of therapy that involves multiple family members and focuses on improving communication

Couples therapy: A type of therapy that involves romantic partners and focuses on improving communication

Psychiatric hospitalization: Inpatient treatment in a hospital setting for individuals experiencing severe mental health symptoms or crises

Intensive outpatient program (IOP): A structured treatment program that provides therapy and support for individuals with mental health disorders

Trauma-informed care: An approach to healthcare that recognizes the impact of trauma on mental health and focuses on creating safe and supportive environments for individuals who have experienced trauma

Cultural competence: The ability of healthcare providers to understand and respect cultural differences and provide appropriate care to individuals from diverse backgrounds