Designing mental health service delivery in partnership with Aboriginal people

There is a paucity of information on which to draw pertaining to the provision of culturally sensitive mental health services to Aboriginal people. Mental health service delivery is undertaken within a mainstream context. Research clearly illustrates that Aboriginal people seek culturally relevant services which facilitate access to treatment from both Indigenous and western domains. Culturally sensitive service provision increases uptake and provides a platform for health promotion, outreach and support while reducing stigma attached to mental health issues. The Curtin School of Nursing and Midwifery has a history of improved health outcomes with Aboriginal people. As part of the school's commitment to improved Aboriginal mental health services a research project was designed in partnership with Indigenous people to examine needs, attitudes, beliefs, practices and preferred outcomes. This paper will explore methodological and relationship building techniques which are premised on a long term sustainable and transparent connection between the Aboriginal community, health practitioners and researchers.