Working with cultural diversity in early psychosis

Cultural diversity is a fundamental feature of the Australian population. In 2011, it was reported that almost a quarter (24.6%) of Australia’s population was born overseas. The American Psychiatric Association states that ‘Culture refers to systems of knowledge, concepts, rules, practices that are learned and transmitted across generations…includes language, religion and spirituality, family structures, life-cycle stages, ceremonial rituals, and customs, as well as moral and legal systems.’

This clinical practice point is designed to help clinicians:

  • Understand the importance of working with CALD young people and their families

  • Develop effective ways of working with CALD families

  • Learn how to explore cultural explanatory models of illness

  • Develop ways of effectively working with interpreters.