Workforce issues: Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Mental Health Workers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workers are trained in various western medical skills, with some having degrees or diplomas in health, community development or social science. For many Aboriginal communities a person's point of entry into the western health system will be through the Aboriginal health or mental health worker.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workers perform a crucial role in forming bridges between cultures, acting as mediators between western and traditional medical systems. In many cases they have the skills to apply counselling techniques and therapies based on Indigenous knowledge and experience as well as the knowledge and application of conventional psychiatric treatments. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workers facilitate your work as a non-Indigenous mental health professional by introducing you properly to the client or community; providing valuable information, cultural expertise and insight into the background of the situation; translating complex medical information into appropriate language that the client can understand and can assist with follow up in the community.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health worker can also assist in most of the treatment and consult extensively with the family, community and traditional healers if necessary. Issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workers are addressed in the College statement. Given the complex case management and multiple tasks that workers undertake, they need to be properly supported, have appropriate career structures and be recognised for their multiple roles and expertise as invaluable team members.