ABSTRACT
A Primary Health Care Train brings health care services to historically disadvantaged rural communities in South Africa. These services are provided by university faculty and trainees in the various disciplines. For many, this provides a novel experience in living and working among people of other cultures and languages as co-workers and clients. Psychology offers psycho-education, limited counselling, resource development facilitation, support for other train personnel, and education about the potential role of psychology. The communities served have had little access to formal health care resources. Coping with child abuse, sexual abuse, depression, learning difficulties and family relationships emerged as areas of need. This paper reflects upon the experiences of faculty, trainees and community members. It asks and provides tentative answers to the question of whether westernised psychology can offer a relevant service in this setting.
