Deaf and Mentally Ill: Are Their Needs Being Met?

Abstract

The plight of the deaf person who has been admitted to or assessed by a mental health service has been recognised for over 30 years [ 1 , 3 – 6 ]. Even though studies have been carried out, recommendations made, and in some areas of the world, units set up specifically for the deaf, Australia is still far behind other countries in assisting our members of the deaf community, having only one assessment unit for the deaf in Sydney.