Search
Equity in therapy: Addressing the needs of BME clients through adaptive practices
Blog post by Zaied Akhtar, Jess Kerr-Fearon, and Mark Boyle
At Xyla, we’re committed to making mental health support accessible and effective for everyone. As a leading provider of online talking therapies commissioned by over 92 NHS services across the UK, we continuously evaluate our services to ensure they meet the needs of diverse communities.
Our latest service audit has revealed a concerning trend: clients from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds are more likely to drop out of treatment compared to their White counterparts. This blog explores the findings from our recent clinician survey and outlines actionable strategies to improve engagement and outcomes for BME clients.
Understanding the challenge
Clinicians reported facing significant barriers when working with BME clients, including:
- Limited cultural competency training
- Difficulty adapting CBT protocols to diverse cultural contexts
- Lack of community-based support, which exacerbates mental health disparities
These challenges contribute to lower engagement and higher drop-out rates among BME clients, highlighting the urgent need for culturally responsive care.
What the data tells us
Our analysis of service data across ethnic groups showed notable differences in treatment completion and recovery rates. For example:
- Recovery rates ranged from 34% to 53%, with lower outcomes observed among some BME groups.
- Drop-out rates were higher among clients from African, Caribbean, and mixed ethnic backgrounds.
These disparities underscore the importance of tailored interventions and inclusive practices.
Insights from clinicians
We surveyed clinicians to better understand their experiences and training needs. Key findings included:
Desired skills and training
- Cultural competence training – 75%
- Bias and sensitivity training – 54%
- Community engagement – 50%
- Language skills – 47%
Helpful adaptations
- Cultural competence training – 50%
- Language support services – 37%
- Community engagement – 28%
- Other methods – 33%
Qualitative insights
- Collaborating with cultural centres
- Seeking expert advice on cultural aspects in therapy
- Using language support services during CBT
- Conducting personal research on clients’ cultural background
Recommendations for inclusive practice
To reduce drop-out rates and improve outcomes, clinicians suggested:
- Increasing openness to diverse beliefs and practices
- Enhancing cultural awareness and encouraging open discussions
- Recruiting a more diverse workforce
- Matching therapists and clients by language
- Developing tailored care packages for BME clients
What’s next for Xyla
We’re taking these insights seriously and are committed to:
- Strengthening partnerships with local organisations
- Providing ongoing cultural competency training
- Supporting therapists in adapting CBT using evidence-based frameworks
- Conducting annual audits of data and processes
- Continuing to share BME-focused articles and resources
Final thoughts
Equity in therapy isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity. By listening to our clinicians and clients, and adapting our practices, we can create a more inclusive and effective mental health service for all.
To learn more about our initiatives or access culturally responsive resources, visit xylaservices.com
Related Stories
Share this article
Contact us
Have any questions about our services? Whether you’re wondering about how we can help your health goals, or assist your healthcare organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch