Motivational care planning - Self management in indigenous mental health

Background: Detection and treatment of mental illness in indigenous communities is often complicated by cross cultural difference, social complexity and comorbid disorders. Objective: This article discusses the development of self management skills in mental health, with particular reference to the use of brief interventions in remote indigenous communities, and highlights qualitative findings of a recent study which sought to integrate these interventions into a practical approach to treatment. Discussion: Shifting to a self management and recovery orientation of mental health services has proven to be challenging. The challenges to autonomy and ownership of treatment plans are even more manifest for indigenous people. Therefore, there is a need to focus on effective and efficient brief interventions that promote self management.