Facilitating equity in mental health outcomes for Aboriginal people within mainstream mental health services in Western Australia: A grounded theory study

Abstract

This study developed a substantive theory that explores the provision of culturally safe care in a mental health setting and identified factors that inhibit or facilitate the experience. 28 mental health professionals working in mainstream mental health settings in Western Australian were interviewed for this study. The basic social psychological problem shared by participants was the experience of being unprepared. To address this, participants engage in a basic social psychological process of “seeking solutions by navigating the labyrinth”. The findings of this study have implications for service providers, clinical practice, policy and planning, research, education and Aboriginal patients and other key stakeholders.