Before you assess

1. 1Offer an Aboriginal mental health workerInvolve them where practicable and appropriate.
2. 2Ask about family, elders or healersAsk the person who they want involved.
3. 3Check languageUse an interpreter if needed and practicable.

Recheck by 25 Sep 2027

Source: Mental Health Act 2014 (WA): communication and cultural provisions (ss 6, 9, 50, 80, 81, 189 and Charter Principle 7) · No current cultural review recorded

Culture is not illness

Under the Act, holding a cultural belief or taking part in cultural activity does not by itself mean a person has a mental illness.

Recheck by 25 Sep 2027

Source: Mental Health Act 2014 (WA): communication and cultural provisions (ss 6, 9, 50, 80, 81, 189 and Charter Principle 7) · No current cultural review recorded

Information from others

Information from an Aboriginal mental health worker or community member can inform the examination, but the Act says an order cannot rest on that information alone.

Recheck by 25 Sep 2027

Source: Mental Health Act 2014 (WA): communication and cultural provisions (ss 6, 9, 50, 80, 81, 189 and Charter Principle 7) · No current cultural review recorded

Read more

• National SEWB frameworkAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and social and emotional wellbeing

Recheck by 26 Sep 2027

Source: National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing 2017-2023 · No current cultural review recorded