The systematic review by Luu et al. (2023) explores mental health interventions for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) youth in Australia, identifying effective practices and barriers to service engagement. Drawing on 19 peer-reviewed studies, the review highlights six core elements of successful mental health programs: personalisation and trauma recognition, creative expression, cultural competence, empowerment, social connection, and accessible information delivery. These elements reflect the need for culturally sensitive, youth-centred approaches that acknowledge the unique experiences of CALD young people, including migration, identity conflict, and trauma.
Barriers to accessing mental health services include stigma, limited mental health literacy, language difficulties, distrust of services, and Western-centric models of care that overlook cultural understandings of wellbeing. The review emphasises the importance of involving CALD youth in program design and evaluation, advocating for culturally safe, inclusive, and holistic practices. It also calls for greater recognition of intersecting identities and systemic issues such as racism and marginalisation. The authors argue for a shift from biomedical models towards decolonising, community-based approaches that empower CALD youth and integrate cultural healing practices. Overall, the review provides a foundation for improving mental health support for CALD youth in Australia through evidence-informed, culturally responsive interventions.
