IMH5003 Culturally Appropriate Intervention Strategies in Indigenous Mental Health

Contents

• Staffing
• Rationale
• Synopsis
• Objectives
• Topics
• Reference materials
• Student workload
• Assessment details
• Important assessment information
• Assessment notes
• Production date
• PDF version

STAFFING

RATIONALE

The structure of the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Mental Health and Well-Being is a layered approach, which encourages personal growth through the appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as building sophistication of clinical skills. It is the latter aspect which is addressed in this course. By the end of the course, participants should have the skills and expertise to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in the context of culture, community and historical experience, and to devise culturally appropriate and effective interventions. The content of the course is such that participants will learn how to establish relationships with Indigenous clients, and to develop and use culturally appropriate and valid interviewing techniques, history taking and follow-up management procedures.

SYNOPSIS

The course emphasises the burden of mental illness Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with a review of typical and atypical symptoms. It goes on to examine culturally appropriate interventions in relation to major issues such as substance abuse and dependence, suicide, psychotic disorders, anxiety and depression. Thus the core of the course is a critique of culturally appropriate intervention strategies, or 'right way' approach, in alleviating the suffering of Indigenous clients. In this context, participants will be exposed to ethical and culturally sensitive strategies for establishing a relationship, the formal assessment process (in collaboration with Indigenous Mental Health or Health workers), pre-interview procedures, appropriate interviewing techniques, potential interview issues, taking client history, interview assessment, summary and follow-up management options. In keeping with the developmental theme of this program, participants will be encouraged to reflect that in no other area of medicine/health is how they work, define and manage disorders so much influenced by cultural factors, as it is in mental health.

OBJECTIVES

On successful completion of this course students should be able to:

1.

define the role and perspective of non-Indigenous health practitioners in the assessment and treatment of Indigenous clients (Assessment 1)

2.

assess the role of Indigenous mental health workers and traditional healers in collaborative assessment and treatment of Indigenous clients (Assessment 1)

3.

apply appropriate interview, and other, strategies in the assessment and treatment of Indigenous clients (Assessment 2)

4.

develop a relationship with Indigenous clients, based on an understanding of the particular culture of the client (Assessment 2)

5.

identify the most appropriate setting for individuals to be interviewed for assessment, treatment and follow-up (Assessment 2)

6.

analyse the relevance of language in understanding the mental problems of Indigenous people (Assessment 2)

7.

reflect on the professional and ethical aspects of cross-cultural interventions, treatment and management (Assessments 1 & 2)

TOPICS

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

Armstrong, T Medicine Australia (Available: http://www.medicineau.net.au/clinical/abhealth/abhealt1345.html) [Accessed 02 03 2007]