Dimensions that relate to cross‐cultural counselling: Perceptions of mental health professionals in Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract

Purpose

Sets out to report on an exploratory study in which perspectives on cross‐cultural counselling in mental health care in Auckland, New Zealand, are to be examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilised a single questionnaire which sought mental health professionals' perceptions on issues and concepts of cross‐cultural counselling. The questionnaire was administered in the nine public psychiatric units in Auckland.

Findings

Apart from the health units providing bicultural (European and Maori) counselling services, there was little cross‐cultural counselling available to an increasingly multicultural community.

Originality/value

With regard to the need for cross‐cultural counselling, rather than address the issue of population change this study examines the effect that lack of diversity would have on the gains that would otherwise be made in the health‐care system of Auckland, New Zealand.

Citation

Selvarajah, C. (2006), "Dimensions that relate to cross‐cultural counselling: Perceptions of mental health professionals in Auckland, New Zealand", Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 54-68. https://doi.org/10.1108/13527600610643484