<![CDATA[Background: Mental health is a fundamental component of human well-being, yet the growing prevalence of psychological disorders across culturally diverse populations has challenged the effectiveness of conventional counseling approaches. Culturally-based counseling has emerged as an innovative approach that integrates cultural values, beliefs, languages, and identities into therapeutic processes to improve engagement and treatment outcomes. Despite increasing interest in this approach, a comprehensive global synthesis of its effectiveness and implementation remains limited. Objective: This review aims to identify and arrange strategies that can be implemented to enhance adolescent STIs prevention and screening behaviors. Methods: This systematic literature review (SLR), registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251127039), synthesized evidence from 16 primary studies published between 2020 and 2025. Articles were retrieved from six major databases and Google Scholar following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The review applied the PICO framework, focusing on individuals experiencing mental health challenges (P), culturally-based counseling interventions (I), conventional counseling or no intervention (C), and outcomes related to effectiveness, engagement, satisfaction, and psychological well-being (O). Narrative thematic analysis was used to synthesize the findings. Results: The findings indicate that culturally-based counseling interventions consistently improved treatment engagement, trust, satisfaction, and mental health outcomes, including reductions in depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms. Three major forms of adaptation were identified: linguistic adaptations, integration of traditional rituals and cultural practices, and structural or relational modifications involving families and communities. Emerging innovations included culturally tailored digital platforms, online counseling services, and counselor training models emphasizing cultural humility. Conclusion: This review provides a novel contribution by systematically mapping culturally-based counseling interventions worldwide and highlighting innovative practices that promote culturally responsive mental health services. Integrating cultural competence, cultural humility, and digital innovations may enhance accessibility and reduce disparities in mental healthcare across diverse societies.]]>
