In a multicultural society health professionals need to be equipped with knowledge and skills in working with individuals and families who are moving from one culture (and language) to another. An understanding of acculturation is essential as is an understanding of an individual’s personal journey of acculturation. Detailed knowledge of specific cultures is not required, but the ability to work across cultures and locate information and resources on specific cultures is. Multicultural Australia is represented by around 200 cultures and it is possible that a health worker may have a client from any of these cultural backgrounds. Therefore they need access to education that enables them to work transculturally, that is a pluralistic approach which works across cultures as much as possible.
The Managing Cultural Diversity in Mental Health program provides the knowledge and skills to enable those working in the mental health field to develop and deliver culturally appropriate services to all members of our multicultural society. This program has been recognised nationally and internationally as being one of the most comprehensive transcultural mental health professional development programs in the world! It has consistently received very high evaluations from hundreds of participants across Australia. Visiting mental health professionals from overseas who have completed components of the program have also rated it very highly and have commented on its uniqueness and how the content is just as pertinent to all multicultural societies throughout the world.
All of the education programs offered by the Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre focus on practical workforce development strategies that enhance clinical outcomes. The programs also focuses on the development of a positive attitude that is about respectful curiosity, in regard to culture, language, spirituality and other contextual issues that are paramount in effective mental health service development and delivery. As well as enabling our education participants to develop their transcultural knowledge and skills, our programs are mostly about developing and maintaining a positive attitude and our evaluations demonstrate that this is achieved. As a result of having a culturally responsive workforce, members of culturally and liguistically diverse (CALD) communities receive an equitable service that respects their cultural heritage and values, and mental health workers will achieve greatly improved outcomes when working with their CALD clients and their families.
For more information on any QTMHC educational programs contact the Education and Development Coordinator on 3167 8333 (or 1800 188 189 toll free outside Brisbane metropolitan), or via email QTMHC@health.qld.gov.au.
Downloads
Education & Development Handbook
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