The Use of the Wright‐Constantine Structured Cultural Interview ( WCSCI ) in Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: A Qualitative Study of Clients' Experiences

ABSTRACT Background Cultural competence is widely recognised as essential to effective psychological assessment and treatment, yet clinicians often struggle to integrate cultural factors into case conceptualisation consistently. The Wright–Constantine Structured Cultural Interview (WCSCI) was developed to address this gap, with clinicians valuing its structured yet flexible approach to exploring clients' cultural identities and lived experiences within clinical practice. However, little is known about clients' experiences with the WCSCI. Method Twelve adult clients from a community mental health clinic were interviewed about their experiences using the WCSCI and its impact on their therapeutic alliance with their provider. Findings Participants reported that the WCSCI improved their therapeutic alliance; specifically, the WCSCI (a) helped clients to feel understood by clinicians, which promoted alignment of goals (goals); (b) fostered clients' connection and faith in their clinicians (bonds); (c) facilitated insights and reflections for clients (tasks). Clients' appraisal of the utility and purpose of the WCSCI and how relevant they felt culture and identity were to their presenting concerns impacted their reception to the WCSCI. Conclusion The WCSCI is a clinical tool that can augment existing assessment and therapy processes by providing nuance and depth about clients' cultural identities. In addition to being a useful clinical tool, it is also a valuable training tool that helps clinicians develop their multicultural competencies and extend their (pre)existing training in school and practice.