Protocols for the delivery of social and emotional well being and mental health services in Indigenous communities: guidelines for health workers, clinicians, consumers and carers (2009)

Description

This manual was written to provide health professionals with a set of rules for the delivery of mental health services in Indigenous communities in Queensland. The information comes from evidence-based research and addresses the lack of resources available to health professionals on best practice standards for providing mental health care to Indigenous clients.

The manual consists of two parts:

• Part 1 focuses on understanding and supporting social and emotional wellbeing and mental health with Indigenous peoples, covering topics such as:
  • an overview on mental health
  • culturally appropriate mental health assessment and treatment for Indigenous people
  • new approaches to service delivery
  • practitioner tools and mental health care
• Part 2 provides guidelines for supporting people with the following mental illnesses:
  • depression
  • anxiety disorders
  • self-harming behaviours
  • schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

When to use this resource

This manual was designed for a range of health professionals, including: clinicians; primary health care workers; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers. It would also be appropriate for consumers, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and their carers. The manual was written for communities in Queensland, but includes practical information for anyone working in the area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing.

Contact details

North Queensland Health Equalities Promotion Unit
School of Medicine
University of Queensland
Ground Floor
101 Sheridan Street
Cairns QLD 4870
Ph: (07) 4080 3101
Fax: (07) 4080 3145

Links

• View abstract: Contents, introduction and foreword (PDF - 1.4 MB)
• View information: Australian Integrated Mental Health Initiative, Queensland Health
• View information: Protocols for the delivery of social and emotional well being and mental health services in Indigenous communities: guidelines for health workers, clinicians, consumers and carers: first edition
• View website: North Queensland Health Equalities Promotion Unit (NQHEPU)

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