CMH2003

Transcultural mental health

(MED)

6 points + Parkville + off campus distributed learning + First semester

Synopsis: The effects of cultural background on the definitions of mental illnesses and the implications of cultural and community structures for the delivery of mental health services. Major areas covered include adaptation and acculturation, characteristics of Aboriginal and ethnic communities in Australia, racism and prejudice, the mental health of Aboriginal and immigrant communities in Australia, cultural assumptions of standard methods of assessment and treatment, explanatory models of illness, State mental health policy, psychiatric service utilisation, and gaps in current service provision.

Assessment: Study journal: 30% + Written assessment (4000 words total): 70%