Culture can have a significant effect on how client experience mental health issues, and how they seek and respond to care. For health practitioners working with culturally and linguistically diverse, or First Nations clients, it’s important to understand and incorporate each individual’s culture and beliefs into their care in order to provide a safe, effective, tailored response.
Culturally safe mental health care can take many forms and there are many ways digital mental health resources can help, such as;
Provide Information and Insight
Digital mental health resources can be a great tool for health professionals to build on their knowledge of different cultures. With these resources health professionals can build on their cultural competence, applying this new knowledge to practice with greater empathy, improve communication and select the right treatment pathways for their clients. WellMob is a great place to find a variety of resources to build understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
Start a conversation
Digital mental health resources can play a key role is starting or aiding in conversations with culturally and linguistically diverse clients. Whether helping to overcome a language barrier or guiding discussions, digital resources can help health professionals to overcome common barriers such as stigma, lack of trust, or language barriers. Playing a video can help health professionals start a conversation about sensitive topics, or resources like Stay Strong can be a guide conversations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
Connection to community
Digital mental health resources like online forums can help clients connect with their community, sharing experiences, accessing support from peers who share their beliefs and values, and building greater connection to their culture. Health practitioners can also use digital resources to connect with other health practitioners to share experiences, and address challenges they may face when working to clients. Beyond Blue offer a multicultural experiences forum and WellMob includes a range of resources designed for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Empower clients to support their own wellbeing
Health practitioners can use digital mental health resources to empower clients to manage their mental health and wellbeing themselves. Whether between sessions, or to help clients hesitant to engage with traditional treatment, digital resources designed specifically for culturally and linguistically diverse people can be a great help. THIS WAY UP is a great place to start, offers a range of multicultural resources health practitioners can refer to their clients, or Smiling Mind which includes mindfulness exercises in various languages.
Culturally safe digital mental health resources are only one tool in a culturally safe toolbox. It is important to also do plenty of research to be well informed and prepared to see a range of clients. Ultimately, what is most important is using deep listening to understand what approach is best for each client. There is no one size fits all approach.

To learn more about building cultural competence check out our blog here. You can also explore our dMH Directory to find digital mental health resources for multicultural people or visit WellMob for a full library of digital social and emotional wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.