Refugees' Barriers to Mental Health Care

"Refugees represent one of the most vulnerable populations that the mental health system has consistently struggled to support. According to the latest Global Trends 2023 report, over 10 million refugees have sought protection in high-income countries due to forced displacement and human rights violations. Six years later, however, the action plan was extended until 2030, allowing more time to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, which aims to reduce deaths by non-communicable diseases and promote mental well-being."

"Two of the six core principles of the plan, universal health coverage and evidence-based practice, highlight the importance of access to equitable mental health services for all individuals and emphasize the need for evidence-based practice to account for cultural differences. Despite refugees facing heightened vulnerabilities and unique traumatic events such as war, extreme violence, poverty, and familial loss or separation, they remain disproportionately underserved when it comes to mental health care."

"In 2013, 194 countries adopted the World Health Organization's (WHO) Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020. This plan acknowledged the growing burden of mental health issues and underscored the urgent need for resources geared towards prevention, intervention, and treatment. Six years later, however, the action plan was extended until 2030, allowing more time to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, which aims to reduce deaths by non-communicable diseases and promote mental well-being."

In 2013, 194 countries adopted WHO's Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 to address the growing burden of mental disorders and expand prevention, intervention, and treatment resources. The action plan was extended to 2030 to support Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, promoting mental well-being and reducing non-communicable disease deaths. Refugees experience markedly higher mental-health burdens—seven times greater PTSD risk and three times greater depression risk—and over 10 million have sought protection in high-income countries. Refugees face unique traumas and remain underserved. Key barriers include limited mental-health literacy, language obstacles, lack of awareness of services, and stigma, undermining equitable, culturally informed care.

Read at Psychology Today