A descriptive analysis of Aboriginal adolescents admitted to a regional inpatient mental health unit: Was culture considered?

Objectives: To describe the characteristics of Aboriginal adolescents admitted to a Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) inpatient unit and assess if cultural identity was acknowledged, and what proportion received cultural support.

Method: A retrospective chart review of adolescents who identified as Aboriginal and were admitted to a regional CAMH Unit over 10 years. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, diagnosis, details of admission, acknowledgement of Aboriginal identity, cultural information and cultural support provided.