HK01 recapped an insightful interview with Chan Ying-tung Cassy, Project Manager at the Department of Public Policy of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, featured on RTHK's Community Involvement Broadcasting Service (CIBS) “The Age of Social Innovators 2.0”.
In the discussion, Chan highlighted the need for culturally sensitive mental health services as Hong Kong's ethnic minority population continues to grow, addressing the misunderstandings and resource gaps that hinder access to care for these communities.
Read the news in the link below:
As Hong Kong's ethnic minority population continues to grow, the need for culturally sensitive mental health services becomes increasingly urgent. However, due to their different cultural, religious and linguistic needs, targeted mental health services are inadequate.
Factors contributing to unequal access include limited awareness of mental health issues, cultural attitudes that stigmatize seeking help, busy work schedules, financial constraints, and language barriers between healthcare providers and patients.
Despite increased awareness of mental health, ethnic minorities still encounter misunderstandings and a lack of resources, according to Chan.
Listen to the broadcast in the link below (episode on 12 July 2024):
https://www.rthk.hk/radio/pth/programme/g1484_age_social_inovation_2.0/episode/960898
CIBS interview with the Project Manager, Miss Chan Ying-tung Cassy.
Cultural norms within some communities can further complicate matters. For example, a case was highlighted of a woman who suffered domestic abuse but refrained from seeking help due to fears of legal repercussions for her husband and potential community backlash.
Language barriers also deter many from seeking psychological assistance. Interviews reveal that some healthcare providers are reluctant to offer services in languages other than Chinese, despite being proficient in English, which diminishes minority patients' motivation to engage with mental health services.
To address these issues, the project team advocates for collaboration among local non-profit leaders and trainers from diverse cultural backgrounds to promote racial inclusion in mental health programs.
They emphasize the importance of counsellors being aware of the racial, gender, and age dynamics within the communities they serve to foster better communication and trust.
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The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
c/o Division of Public Policy (PPOL)
Room 4384, Academic Building,
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