Aim: Nearly one-third of the Australian population is born overseas, speaks a language other than English, and follows a culture very different from that of the larger majority. They are referred to as “culturally and linguistically diverse” (CALD) and consist of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Although most of them settle well, a small proportion tends to encounter debilitating mental health issues and require psychological services. Nevertheless, due to the language and cultural barriers they tend to encounter difficulties. Therefore, it is important for psychologists to understand and manage the issues of CALD clients in a culturally safe and sensitive manner.
Content: The three-hour workshop will combine didactic and interactive hands-on approaches to enhance the cultural competency of the psychologists. The attendees will learn about the challenges of these individuals and the role culture and belief systems play in presentation and the management of mental health issues. The risks and protective factors of these clients will be reviewed. Considering that assessment is a vital phase of any consultation, strategies that can be adopted to engage and communicate effectively with CALD clients will be discussed. Psychologists will undergo exercises to hone their skills to interview a CALD client. Steps that can be used to adapt current therapeutic modalities to suit the CALD clients’ psychological needs will be discussed. Finally, in small groups, the attendees will analyse and interpret case studies to develop a culturally safe and sensitive assessment, formulation, and treatment plan.