M4: Understanding MENA Populations: Cultural, Religious, and Political Contexts in Clinical Practice

Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities are often underserved and misunderstood within mental health systems in the United States. This presentation provides clinical social workers with a foundational understanding of the MENA region, including the countries it encompasses and patterns of migration to the U.S. Participants will explore the historical, political, and collective trauma shaping many MENA clients’ experiences, as well as the impact of war, displacement, colonialism, and ongoing global conflict. The session will examine cultural and religious contexts; including family structure, values, identity, and stigma, and how these factors influence mental health presentation and engagement in treatment. Emphasis will be placed on culturally responsive, trauma-informed clinical considerations to support effective assessment, therapeutic rapport, and intervention. This presentation is designed to strengthen clinicians’ cultural humility, competence, and effectiveness when working with MENA individuals and families across practice settings.