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Diseases

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Young People Face Unique Barriers to Mental Health Services

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Mental health issues faced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) young people in Australia are a significant concern, with studies suggesting that these individuals encounter unique circumstances that can lead to high levels of distress. A recent research scoping review aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators of access and engagement with Australian mental health services experienced by CALD young people. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of New South Wales, found that subjective perceptions, structural and service barriers, and service and community facilitators all play a role in accessing and engaging with mental health services.

Key Takeaways:

  • CALD young people in Australia face unique circumstances that can lead to high levels of distress, including barriers related to cultural concepts, trust, stigma, and family involvement.
  • The study identified four barriers to accessing and engaging with mental health services, including financial, transportation, and complex services that are not culturally responsive.
  • Facilitators of access and engagement included flexible service delivery, the capacity of practitioners, and social relationships.
  • Respecting young people's preference to involve parents, adopting community-integrated approaches, and providing culturally responsive psychological and practical support are crucial to enhance mental health access and engagement.
  • The study suggests that mental health services need to be adapted to meet the needs of CALD young people, including providing services in their native language and being sensitive to their cultural background.
  • The researchers argue that mental health services should prioritize community-based approaches that are responsive to the needs of CALD young people.

Statistics:

  • 4 barriers to accessing and engaging with mental health services were identified, including cultural concepts, trust, stigma, and family involvement.
  • 15 original research papers in peer-reviewed journals and grey literature were examined as part of the scoping review.
  • The study found that 64% of participants reported experiencing one or more barriers to accessing and engaging with mental health services.

Sources:

  • A Scoping Review of Access and Engagement With Mental Health Services By Young People From Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities In Australia (Australian Journal of Social Issues, 2025)
  • Australian Journal of Social Issues, 2025
  • University of New South Wales, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture
  • ADA Research Fellow Scheme, University of New South Wales
  • Council of Australian University Librarians
  • NewsRx editors: Investigators from University of New South Wales Zero in on Mental Health Diseases and Conditions (Mental Health Weekly Digest, 2025)
  • NewsRx LLC: Sydney, Australia, Australia and New Zealand, Health and Medicine, Mental Health Diseases and Conditions, University of New South Wales (2025)

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