Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services in Refugees
Conference Year
January 2020
Abstract
A significant percentage of refugees and asylum seekers who resettle in other countries experience trauma and high levels of psychological distress. Despite elevated mental health symptoms, refugees are not likely to access needed mental health services. A number of variables impact the underutilization of mental health services by refugees and asylum seekers. The current study identifies barriers to seeking and accessing mental health services for members of the Nepali community in Vermont. Clients already on the waitlist were contacted by Connecting Cultures; a community mental health center serving refugees and New Americans. Potential clients were informed about the services offered by Connecting Cultures and were asked whether or not they were currently interested in receiving services. The feedback provided by potential clients is examined. Results show that potential clients reported less willingness to seek out services due to mental health stigma, cultural norms and lack of information about mental health. Ways in which mental health providers can work to reduce existing barriers to accessing mental health services in refugee communities will be discussed.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Karen Fondacaro
Secondary Mentor Name
Holly Weldon
Faculty/Staff Collaborators
Holly Weldon (Clinical Psychology PhD Candidate, Mentor), Karen Fondacaro (Clinical Psychology Professor, Director of Behavior Therapy and Psychotherapy Center)
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Psychological Science
Primary Research Category
Social Sciences
Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services in Refugees
A significant percentage of refugees and asylum seekers who resettle in other countries experience trauma and high levels of psychological distress. Despite elevated mental health symptoms, refugees are not likely to access needed mental health services. A number of variables impact the underutilization of mental health services by refugees and asylum seekers. The current study identifies barriers to seeking and accessing mental health services for members of the Nepali community in Vermont. Clients already on the waitlist were contacted by Connecting Cultures; a community mental health center serving refugees and New Americans. Potential clients were informed about the services offered by Connecting Cultures and were asked whether or not they were currently interested in receiving services. The feedback provided by potential clients is examined. Results show that potential clients reported less willingness to seek out services due to mental health stigma, cultural norms and lack of information about mental health. Ways in which mental health providers can work to reduce existing barriers to accessing mental health services in refugee communities will be discussed.