Two way approaches to Indigenous mental health training: Brief training in brief interventions

Abstract

This study aimed to train health care professionals in a mental health assessment and care plan package designed for Aboriginal clients and carers and to evaluate the training and the package. The package has been developed over two years of consultation and encourages a collaborative, culturally appropriate approach to mental health assessment and care planning using motivational counselling techniques and relapse prevention strategies. Seventeen workshops were delivered in a range of settings to 261 service providers between 2006 and 2008. The training used the tools developed through the AIMhi ‘Story Telling Project’ and included multimedia resources, and activities designed to bridge the cross cultural and literacy gap in remote communities, including role play and skills practice. The training was well received and pre- and post-workshop evaluations show that participants found the workshops interesting and useful, and significantly improved in their confidence in assessment and communication, and their knowledge of early warning signs and treatment. The findings suggest a need in both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous workforce for further training, in both undergraduate and postgraduate settings, and in specialist and primary care.

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