Department of Health

Diversity

Victoria’s public mental health services must provide the same level of access to services and the same quality of services to all cultural and linguistic groups, including Aboriginal people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, refugees and asylum seekers, women and gender-diverse people.

These vulnerable populations have greater risks of developing mental illness and they have fewer protective factors than the general population.

Despite considerable government investment in culturally responsive mental healthcare over many years, people from non-English-speaking and other vulnerable communities continue to access mental health services at lower rates than others in the population, and to present at later stages in the development of mental illness.

Cultural diversity – awareness and inclusion tips

People from vulnerable and culturally diverse groups experience access barriers to public mental health services.

Culturally competent mental health care

Cultural competence relates to the attitudes, skills and behaviours of staff.

Refugees and asylum seekers

Refugees and asylum seekers are at greater risk of developing mental illness than many other people.

Women and mental health services

Public mental health services have a responsibility to meet women’s particular needs.

Gender sensitivity

Gender-sensitive care requires understanding of the differences and needs of women, men, transgender and intersex people.

Reviewed 28 May 2015

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