Abstract
Qatar’s social landscape is marked by significant cultural diversity stemming from migration for employment and higher education. This multicultural context shapes how individuals perceive mental health, engage with related topics, and seek psychological support. Social workers in Qatar encounter complex challenges in delivering culturally appropriate and inclusive mental health services due to variations in beliefs, social stigma, language barriers, and limited cultural awareness among service providers. This paper explores the specific challenges that social workers face in working within Qatar’s diverse society. It also examines how migrants perceive mental health, the ways in which they address psychological concerns, and the factors that hinder their pursuit of mental health care and formal social support services—such as cultural barriers and concerns over privacy. In response to these challenges, the paper proposes a practical and inclusive model to enhance social workers’ effectiveness in supporting equitable access to mental health services for migrant populations. The model emphasizes cultural sensitivity, stigma reduction, and intersectoral collaboration, aiming to improve pathways to care and promote mental well-being across all segments of Qatari society. By aligning with the principles of social justice and inclusivity, this model seeks to empower social workers to bridge cultural gaps and ensure fair access to mental health resources in a multicultural environment.
Presenters
Yaser SnoubarAssociate Professor of Social Work, Social Sciences, Qatar University, Qatar
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Community Diversity and Governance
KEYWORDS
Cultural Diversity, Mental Health, Migrants, Social Work Practice, Inclusive Services
