The Kawa (River) model: culturally relevant assessment in occupational therapy mental health practice

[Extract]: Occupational therapy has experienced rapid global expansion over the past 2 decades as more countries, communities, and health care institutions have embraced and recognized its restorative, enabling and empowering qualities. However, this growing appreciation for occupational therapy has raised several important challenges for the profession as it strives to be relevant and meaningful in meeting the needs of culturally diverse people and communities (Iwama, Thompson & Macdonald, 2009).