Refugee Mental Health: The Policy Landscape and Opportunities for Change
Many refugees and other forcibly displaced people in the United States face disproportionate barriers to accessing mental health related services. For those who are resettled, life in a new home can present its own mental health challenges, with some research suggesting that post-migration stressors can be more damaging than pre-migration trauma. Yet, once refugees arrive in the United States, cultural, language, cost and other systemic barriers can stand in the way of treatment and support.
On May 23rd at 3pm, the International Refugee Assistance Project, the Refugee Advocacy Lab, and the Center for Victims of Torture hosted a webinar for the launch and discussion of a new report that identifies both the challenges and opportunities for meeting the mental health needs of forcibly displaced communities, from federal policy and funding to state initiatives and community-based support. Speakers shared both barriers to accessing necessary care as well as key innovations, best practices and advocacy opportunities for the future, from legislative options to working directly with relevant state agencies, practitioners and refugee communities.
Moderator:
Balqees Mihirig, Policy Advisor at the Refugee Advocacy Lab, Senior Policy Counsel for the International Refugee Assistance Project
Panelists:
Dr. Omar Reda, MD, Board Certified Psychiatrist, Harvard-trained trauma expert, and author
Dr. Eva P. Stitt, PhD, State Refugee Behavioral Health Coordinator, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Darlene Lynch, Head of External Relations, Center for Victims of Torture; Lab Georgia State Lead