INTEGRATING SEX THERAPY INTO HOLISTIC TREATMENT PLANNING ACROSS MULTICULTURAL CLINICAL SETTINGS

Abstract

Sexual health is a critical yet often underintegrated component of holistic clinical care, particularly within multicultural treatment contexts where cultural norms, stigma, and systemic barriers may limit open therapeutic engagement. This study examines the integration of sex therapy into holistic treatment planning across diverse clinical settings, with a specific focus on the roles of clinician cultural competence and client–clinician cultural congruence. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from multidisciplinary clinical environments through standardized outcome measures, clinical documentation reviews, and in-depth interviews with clinicians and clients. Quantitative analyses revealed that fully integrated sex therapy models were associated with higher levels of sexual well-being, psychological distress reduction, relationship satisfaction, and overall treatment satisfaction compared to partially integrated or non-integrated approaches. Qualitative findings identified cultural stigma, clinician discomfort, and institutional constraints as primary barriers to integration, while culturally responsive practice and interdisciplinary collaboration emerged as key facilitators. Visual analyses further demonstrated a positive relationship between cultural competence and sexual health outcomes, as well as a synergistic effect of integration level and cultural congruence on holistic treatment effectiveness. The findings underscore the importance of embedding culturally attuned sex therapy within holistic care frameworks to enhance clinical outcomes, strengthen therapeutic alliances, and promote inclusive, person-centered treatment in multicultural settings.