Service development, planning and evaluation
We provide expert advice and input to inform culturally responsive policy, planning, and program implementation.
We also consult on policy and planning with organisations across the mental health, health, non-government and government sectors to ensure that the services meet the mental health needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Our work is shaped by a range of state and federal policy and planning documents. You can download additional policies and plans related to our work from the NSW Health Policy Distribution System.
Research support and academic partnerships
Our research and academic partnerships initiatives aim to:
- build knowledge on mental health and culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- identify research gaps and improve data collection and research models for culturally diverse populations
- provide expert consultation on transcultural research models and methods
- provide expert consultation for evaluation and quality assurance for services in the health sector
- provide learning placements for students in transcultural mental health practice.
You can view and read our previous work housed in our document library, as well as research papers and resources relating to culturally and linguistically diverse mental health in our knowledge hub.
For more information about our research and academic partnerships email tmhc@health.nsw.gov.au
Education and training
We offer and deliver education, training and resources to support culturally responsive and safe care to strengthen the mental health needs of culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
Our programs can be tailored to fit the needs of staff across hospitals, in the community and other relevant services.
Learn more about education and training for health professionals.
Clinical consultation service
We provide cultural consultation and supplementary specialist clinical services for NSW Health mental health services and individuals, families and carers from CALD communities connected with those services.
Our clinical consultation service is a secondary and tertiary level service and responds to referrals received from NSW Health mental health services and the NSW Refugee Health Service for clients, their families and carers who are engaged with those services for ongoing provision of care.
This is a free service and is available for:
- children, adolescents and families
- young people
- adults
- older people.
Our services are culturally informed, meaningful and responsive. We provide:
- expert clinical consultancy and advice
- information to help the care team confirm and make a clear diagnosis
- meaningful mental health education for consumers and families
- psychosocial assessments and clinical (cultural) formulation
- recommendations on culturally appropriate care and treatments
- support for ongoing care and mental health treatment planning.
How to make a referral
Mental health professionals from public mental health services can contact our Information and clinical consultation service to make a referral.
Phone:(02) 9912 3851
Business hours: 9am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Transcultural Mental Health Line (TMHL)
We provide mental health support and information for individuals from CALD communities with clinicians who understand their culture and speak their language.
Download TMHL promotional resources including postcards and social media tiles.
Mental Health Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention program
Our program aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of culturally and linguistically diverse people across NSW. The program uses a population-based approach to increase understanding and reduce stigma about mental illness in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
We work in partnership with multicultural, ethno-specific and community agencies and CALD communities to reduce stigma about mental health issues and improve mental health literacy and knowledge on pathways to care.
Our community presentations help people to:
- identify the signs and symptoms of mental illness
- understand causes and risk factors
- find help for mental health concerns.
We also participate in community events and distribute mental health resources in multiple languages. Some of our activities include:
To organise a community information session or event, please complete our online form.
For more information about the program email tmhc@health.nsw.gov.au
Carer Support Program
We provide tailored carer support groups for people from CALD communities caring for someone with a mental illness.
Find out more about our Carer Support Program.
Capacity building for new and emerging refugee populations
We work closely with service providers to strengthen and support the mental wellbeing of new and emerging refugee populations. The program helps to build capacity within the community and mental health services supporting them.
We support and strengthen the capacity of mental health and other health services to provide culturally responsive services to newly arrived refugees.
For more information about the program email tmhc@health.nsw.gov.au
Resources, information and communications
We develop and share culturally relevant multilingual information and resources and lead initiatives to promote positive mental health messages for CALD communities.