Removing the Barriers Preventing CALD Women from Seeking Mental Health Care

Removing the Barriers Preventing CALD Women from Seeking Mental Health Care

Sona Jerry

Positive mental wellbeing is a fundamental facet of human existence, influencing one’s capacity to cope with stress, navigate challenges, and build meaningful connection. It affects an individual’s quality of life, and their ability to contribute to society positively. However, for many culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women in Australia, accessing appropriate mental health care remains a complex and daunting journey. In our previous discussions, we delved into the intricate web of cultural stigma, language barriers, and logistical obstacles that these women face when seeking mental healthcare. Comprehensive strategies targeting the unique difficulties faced by these women need to be explored to pave the way for a more inclusive and culturally sensitive mental healthcare system for CALD women across Australia.

Culturally Sensitive Mental Health Services

By incorporating cultural sensitivity in treatment plans and therapy approaches, mental health providers can ensure CALD women receive care that aligns with their cultural values and practices, ultimately reducing the stigma associated with seeking help and improving the quality of healthcare provided. This means professionals must be informed about the intricacies of different cultural perspectives on mental wellbeing across communities, acknowledging that attitudes surrounding such conditions vary among diverse communities. One effective way to make culturally competent care easier to implement is through the incorporation of cultural liaisons or navigators. These individuals, who are both fluent in the language and culture of the patient, can bridge the gap between the healthcare provider and patient, facilitating communication and understanding. Furthermore, mental health facilities should establish culturally representative staff teams, ensuring that CALD patients encounter professionals who are intimately knowledgeable about their culture. This intervention not only fosters improved communication and trust but allows for more accurate assessments (Walker & Sonn, 2010). Providers should also undergo extensive training to improve their understanding and respect of the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of patients. This will help physicians become more culturally sensitive, particularly when they individualise treatment plans such as how certain cultures attribute mental distress to spiritual or community factors can better inform health advice.

Subsidised Healthcare

Subsidised care for vulnerable populations entails a multi-faceted solution to addressing the complex socioeconomic challenges faced by CALD women when seeking mental health services. In particular, means-tested subsidies, which would involve tailoring financial assistance to an individual’s, or family’s income and resources, would ensure that those with the greatest financial need receive the most substantial support (Joseph & H, 2017). This is important because migrants are twice as likely to experience unemployment and poverty relative to Australian-born residents (Hartley, 2016). Since the earnings of immigrants are also lower, subsidised healthcare might make treatment more accessible. Hence, a CALD individual with limited financial resources due to unemployment or low wages, could receive a higher subsidy than someone with greater financial stability. An integrated approach, involving collaboration between mental health services, housing agencies, employment organisations, and social welfare is also pivotal. This collaboration can help address the broader socioeconomic factors affecting CALD women’s mental health. For instance, an integrated system would allow a CALD woman experiencing housing insecurity or unemployment access not only the appropriate mental health services, but also resources such as affordable housing, job training, and financial assistance, thereby tackling the root causes of their mental health challenges. Governments and healthcare institutions must prioritise resource allocation, policy development, and cross-sector collaboration to implement these strategies effectively. This involves designing streamlined procedures for means-testing subsidies and ensuring that such subsidised medications are readily accessible through pharmacies. Most importantly, fostering partnerships between mental health providers and community organisations can create a seamless support network, facilitating CALD women’s access to comprehensive care that addresses both mental and socioeconomic needs.

Telehealth Options

Expanding telehealth options is a valuable strategy in dismantling the barriers CALD women face in seeking a healthcare practitioner. This multifaceted approach recognises the pressing need to make telehealth services not only available, but genuinely accessible to these vulnerable individuals. Firstly, telehealth communication can circumvent geographical distances and circumvent language barriers. It might be easier to dedicate time to regular consultations as there are minimal time, and travel costs, meaning patients can access a practitioner more quickly and consistently (Chatterton, et al., 2022). This is important because in some minority cultures women may feel uncomfortable meeting with healthcare providers in-person and travelling to clinics unaccompanied (Fauk, et al., 2022). Therefore, telehealth services can ensure that the cultural values of a community are respected as women can seek such help from the privacy of their home without being concerned about their children’s supervision or encountering a community member on their way to a clinic. Although there have been some concerns regarding effectiveness of remote services, a study by Gros et al., (2013) suggests telehealth services offer similar outcomes and standards in “clinical effectiveness, patient and provider acceptance, and safety” relative to face-to-face consultations (Gros, et al., 2013). It would be further beneficial to acknowledge that not al CALD women are technologically proficient, nor may they possess the necessary devices to engage in telehealth communication. Hence, offering technical assistance and training becomes imperative to ensure these individuals can navigate the virtual healthcare landscape with confidence.

Community Engagement and Support Networks

Establishing robust community engagement and support networks is vital for dismantling barriers to mental healthcare for CALD women. Such community-based organisations play a valuable role in providing both emotional and practical assistance, offering valuable insights into the specific needs and cultural nuances that impact mental health outcomes. For example, mental health literacy programs empower individuals withing CALD communities to recognise the signs of mental health issues and understand the critical importance of early intervention. Through workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns, these programs equip vulnerable groups with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of mental healthcare, fostering a sense of agency and resilience. Most importantly, these campaigns are beneficial for encouraging healthy conversations regarding mental health and destigmatising it, making women more likely to seek help when needed. These workshops can also educate CALD women about culturally appropriate coping strategies and available mental health resources, building a bridge between their cultural backgrounds and the standard healthcare system, allowing women to understand that seeking help does not equate to betraying their cultural values or identity. Such initiatives are indispensable tools in empowering women to not only access mental healthcare, but also create a cultural shift where seeking help becomes normalised in their communities. This is important for fostering a sense of community support and understanding, paving the way for improved mental health outcomes.

In conclusion, addressing the complex web of barriers CALD women face in accessing mental healthcare is a vital endeavour for Australia. By prioritising culturally competent mental health services, means-tested subsidies, accessible telehealth options, and robust community engagement programs, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. CALD women deserve the opportunity to prioritise their mental well-being without fear of cultural stigma, language barriers, or logistical obstacles. Through these collective efforts, we can foster a healthier and supportive community where all Australians regardless of their cultural background, can access the help they require, ultimately enhancing the well-being and resilience of our diverse society.

Bibliography

Chatterton, M. et al., 2022. Telehealth service delivery in an Australian regional mental health service during COVID-19: a mixed methods analysis. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 16(43).

Fauk, N. et al., 2022. Strategies to improve access to mental health services: Perspectives of African migrants and service providers in South Australia. SSM - Mental Health, 2(1), pp. 1-9.

Gros, D. et al., 2013. Delivery of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy via Video Telehealth. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment , 35(1), pp. 506-521.

Hartley, J., 2016. Migrants and Indigenous Australians are among some of this nation's poorest peoples. [Online] Available at: https://www.sbs.com.au/language/chinese/en/article/migrants-and-indigenous-australians-are-among-some-of-this-nations-poorest-peoples/zb3zl59eb [Accessed 18 September 2023].

Joseph, T. & H, M., 2017. Health care, immigrants, and minorities: lessons from the affordable care act in the US. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 43(12), pp. 1965-1984.

Walker, R. & Sonn, C., 2010. Working as a culturally competent mental health practitioner. Working together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing principles and practice, 1(1), pp. 157-180.

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