4D - Supporting psychological development and mental wellbeing

Question 1

Psychologist

Answer 1

Education: At least 6 years of psychology training.

Can: Diagnose mental disorders, provide counselling/psychotherapy, and develop management plans.

Focus on: Thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.

Cannot: Prescribe medication or perform medical procedures.

Work with: Children (e.g. assessments, learning difficulties, ADHD, autism).

Question 2

Psychiatrist

Answer 2

Education: ~12 years, including medical degree + psychiatry specialisation.

Can: Diagnose, prescribe medication, perform medical treatments, admit to hospital.

Focus on: Biological causes (e.g. brain chemistry, hormones).

Also provide: Psychological support.

Question 3

Mental Health support workers

Answer 3

Role: Everyday practical support (not therapy).

Support with: Recovery plans, goal-setting, daily activities, referrals.

Work under: Guidance of psychologists or psychiatrists.

Question 4

Organisations

Answer 4

Question 5

Cultural Responsiveness

Answer 5

Meeting the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse populations to ensure equitable, effective care.
- Cultural beliefs affect whether people seek help, how they experience mental illness, and what treatments they find acceptable.

Question 6

VTMH Principles

Answer 6

Cross-cultural perspectives
– Understand mental health is viewed differently across cultures.

Cultural safety
– Reduce power imbalance; allow involvement of trusted people; listen respectfully.

Cultural humility
– Reflect on own biases; learn from clients’ lived experience; share power.

Culturally responsive recovery
– Provide care that is affordable, acceptable, appropriate, and respects individual life context.

Question 7

DSM-5-TR Cultural Updates

Answer 7

Includes cultural concepts of distress

Adds tools like the Cultural Formulation Interview for better assessment