Culturally competent treatment practices and ancillary service use in outpatient substance abuse treatment.

To engage and retain minority clients in treatment, clinicians and researchers often suggest employing culturally competent treatment practices (CCTPs). This study provides a quantitative assessment of the association between CCTPs and the utilization of ancillary services. Using data from a nationally representative sample of 618 outpatient substance abuse treatment (OSAT) organizations (88% response rate), we looked at five CCTPs and found that OSAT units employ them to varying degrees. In addition, the CCTPs showed varying associations with the four utilization measures. Physical exams and financial services appeared more responsive to CCTPs than did mental health and transportation services. Overall, certain CCTPs may influence the use of specific medical and psychosocial services, but may not be uniformly effective in promoting utilization of all services.