The Qualitative study of mental health practices with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) clients was considered first of its kind to explore this issue in Australia (Khawaja & Lathopoulous, 2014, p.11). The key focus was on the approaches used by professionals to determine and develop models for best practice, in an effort to increase the use of available services and improve outcomes for CALD clients.
Professionals from various disciplines were chosen by the authors to participate in the study. The research was conducted as a semi structured interview with open one open ended questions, and several prompting questions if required, for further analysis. Further participants were involved until no new topics were offered.
The findings of this research both supported and disproved previous work discussed throughout the article, concluding that the view of Dyche & Zayas; Tsang, Bogo, & George (2003) of the importance of and reliance of cultural knowledge was unrealistic, and may lead to cultural stereotype (Thomas & Weinrich, 2004), and that respect and mutual trust (Colins & Arthur, 2010), and flexibility (Cadwell et. al 2008) were more effective. The study concluded that it was much more important to approach CALD clients as individuals. The authors highlighted Stuart’s (2005) views that self-awareness and skills, and building a rapport with the client compensated for any lack of cultural competence. The only difference concluded in the study would be the need to slow the process and assessment to allow time to gain relevant cultural knowledge and needs from the client, as well as individual beliefs, needs and expected outcomes, as with all mainstream clients.

Cadwell, L. D., Traver, D.D., Iwamoto, D. K., Herzberg, S. E., Cerda-Lizarraga,P., & Mack, T. (2008). Definitions of multicultural competence: Frontline human service