Background
Mental health inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations are well documented. There is growing recognition of the role that culturally safety plays in achieving equitable outcomes. However, a clear understanding of the key characteristics of culturally safe mental health care is currently lacking. This protocol outlines a qualitative systemic review that aims to identify the key characteristics of culturally safe mental health care for  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, at the individual, service, and systems level. This knowledge will improve the cultural safety of mental health provided to Indigenous peoples, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.

Methods and expected outcomes
Through a review of academic, grey, and cultural literature, we will identify the key characteristics of culturally safe mental health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. We will consider the characteristics of culturally safe care at the individual practitioner, service, and systems levels.