Overview
Psychology and Cultures Interest Group is pleased to invite you to this webinar, where three complex case studies will be presented and discussed. The three case studies will involve a minor and two adult individuals from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background, where formal assessments were required to address different referral questions. Presenters will discuss the challenges encountered throughout the assessment process and outline the careful strategies they employed to ensure assessments were both rigorous and culturally safe and sensitive.
Abstract: In clinical and counselling settings, psychological assessment is fundamental to understanding a client’s presenting concerns, identifying underlying factors, and developing an effective case formulation and treatment plan. This process typically integrates both formal and informal methods, including standardized psychometric tests, clinical interviews, behavioural observations, and collateral information. When used appropriately, these tools provide a structured and evidence-based framework for decision-making. However, their applicability becomes more complex when working with clients from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds. A significant limitation arises from the fact that many standardised psychological assessments have been developed, normed, and validated primarily with Western, English-speaking populations. As a result, their cultural relevance and validity may be compromised when administered to CALD clients. Language barriers can affect comprehension of test items, while cultural differences may influence how individuals interpret questions, express distress, or engage with the assessment process. This can lead to inaccurate results, misdiagnosis, or an incomplete understanding of the client’s experience. In addition to linguistic challenges, cultural factors such as stigma, differing beliefs about mental health, and variations in help-seeking behaviours can further complicate assessment. Clients may underreport symptoms, provide culturally shaped responses, or experience discomfort with formal testing procedures. Power dynamics, trust issues, and unfamiliarity with psychological services can also impact the quality of information gathered. Given these challenges, clinicians must adopt flexible, culturally responsive, and creative approaches to assessment. This may involve modifying standard procedures, using interpreters effectively, incorporating culturally adapted tools where available, and placing greater emphasis on qualitative methods such as narrative interviewing and culturally informed case formulation. Building rapport and demonstrating cultural humility are essential to gaining an accurate and holistic understanding of the client.
Three case studies, presented at this webinar, illustrate the complexities involved in assessing CALD clients and highlight how clinicians adapted their approaches to overcome linguistic, cultural, and contextual barriers. Through these examples, the importance of flexibility, creativity, and culturally responsive psychological assessment is underscored, ultimately contributing to more accurate formulations and more effective and client-centred treatments.
Three presenters will use 20 minutes each to present and discussed a case study. The last 30 minutes will be used for group discussion and questions and answers.
About the presenter(s)
Dr. Nigar G Khawaja is an Adjunct Professor at the Queensland University of Technology and a multilingual clinical psychologist. Her area of research is migrant and refugee integration, acculturation and wellbeing. Dr. Khawaja offers clinical services to CALD populations and training and supervision to psychologists.
Ms. Laura Scott is a bilingual (Italian-speaking) Clinical Neuropsychologist. She operates a multistate private practice (in VIC, NT and QLD). She is a director at arbias, a not-for profit organisation providing specialised support for people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and high complex needs. Ms Scott routinely works with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, refugees and older people of non-English speaking backgrounds. She has an interest in behaviour support, forensic issues and working with people who have profound sensory impairment.
Dr. Judy Tang OAM is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Victorian Multicultural Commissioner with over 15 years of advocacy for multiculturalism and LGBTQIA+ equality. A Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Neuropsychologists, she specializes in mental health, aging, and research. In 2026, she was awarded an OAM for her significant service to cultural diversity and mental health. Dr. Tang will share her neuropsychological experience through the lens of real-world case that highlight the intersection of culture, cognitive assessment, and advocacy.
Notes
Target Audience
This activity is aimed at early and mid-career psychologists.
Please note:
- This is a Member Groups event. All communication will be sent to the registrants’ registered email address. This includes event reminders with details (such as the Zoom link) and any pre-event or post-event resources, if provided by the facilitators.
- A post-event email will be sent within two weeks of the event’s completion to each registrant’s registered email address. This email will include the CPD certificate, event-recording, and any additional resources shared during the session.
Duration of Access
This event will be recorded. The recording will be emailed to all registered within 2 weeks post event and available for viewing up to 90 days.
CPD
It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.
The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.
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