Access to Australian mental health care by people from non-English-speaking backgrounds

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine access to mental health care for people from non-English-speaking backgrounds relative to that of people from English-speaking backgrounds, in the context of the mental health status of both groups; and to consider whether, if they perceive that they have needs for care, these needs are met. Method: The study used data from the population-based Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, conducted in 1997. Results: People from non-English-speaking backgrounds and English-speaking backgrounds were equally likely to experience anxiety disorders and affective disorders, but the former were less likely to experience substance-use disorders an..