By Marwa Ibrahim
Counseling Psychology student at York St. John’s University, Yusra Saleem, tackles the critical research question of how to use culturally adaptive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Muslims experiencing depression. In February, Saleem presented her research on “A Systematic Literature Review and Qualitative Exploration of Culturally Adapted CBT for Muslims with Depression” at IMMH’s research consultation group.
In her study, Saleem presents the impact that mental health conditions have on individuals throughout the world, including Muslims. Research has found that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an effective treatment available to treat depression. However, the treatment does not consider the unique religious and cultural values that Muslim clients hold. Therefore, Saleem presents a “culturally adapted CBT” (CA CBT) that integrates Islamic values and cultural practices into the empirically supported CBT framework.
Saleem’s Research Questions:
- What is the current status of use and effectiveness of culturally adapted CBT in supporting Muslims with depression?
- What are the specific cultural adaptations in CBT to Muslim clients experiencing depression?
- What are the lived experiences of Depressed British muslim clients of CA-CBT?
Saleem emphasizes the importance of providing culturally adaptive therapy to an ever-growing religious population whose cultural identity may have a complicated relationship with seeking mental health resources. Muslim mental health suffers from a lack of representation and culturally responsive mental health resources and treatment.
To help bridge this gap, Saleem has completed her first study, “Systematic Literature Review”, which sought to answer the question “What is the effectiveness of culturally adapted CBT for Muslims with depression?” The study helped form a foundation for CA-CBT and will inform the design of her second study, which aims to research “Qualitative exploration of lived experiences of Muslims in the UK who have engaged with CBT”. Saleem will recruit a sample of ten British Muslim participants. She will conduct semi-structured interviews using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to better understand their experiences and construct a culturally adaptive CBT that considers Islamic principles.
Saleem is working to contribute to the development of mental health services that cater to Muslims around the world. This work’s goal is to help reduce depressive symptoms in a culturally responsive manner. Her work is an important step toward providing effective psychological services to people around the world that take into account their cultural perspectives, religious resources, and family and community values.
Have questions? Reach out to yusra.saleem@myh.org.uk.
About the Author
Marwa Ibrahim joined the IMMH team in 2025. She is passionate about providing mental health services to stigmatized communities. As IMMH’s Senior Blog Editor and student receiving her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, she is committed to developing strategies that raise awareness and promote wellness in the Muslim mental health field.
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