Summary This study examines the experiences of German social workers who provided services to refugees during the refugee crisis of 2014–2016. Interviews were conducted in 2016 in two regions of Germany, Berlin/Brandenburg ( n = 18) and Würzburg (Bavaria; n = 16). Researchers used a semi-structured interview guide complemented by a five-item Likert-type instrument. Questions explored Social Service Provider’s Background and Training, Refugees’ Needs, Role of Faith in Coping, and Recommendations for Universities and Churches and measure Effectiveness of Services, Adequacy of Resources, Benefits to Refugees, and Extent of Work-Related Stress. Findings A thematic analysis indicates social workers feel Germany has effectively responded to paramount refugee needs. Social workers emphasize the importance of learning to see people “eye-to-eye,” cultivating empathy, cross-cultural competence, overcoming personal biases, and self-reflection. Applications Findings suggest social workers who practice with refugees should devote attention to the development of personal attributes to facilitate effective service delivery (e.g. learning to respond empathetically, practicing self-reflection, and treating refugees as equals) and refining practical skills (e.g. study of refugee and immigration law nationally and internationally and development of cross-cultural knowledge and understanding). Suggestions include learning a greeting in another language or understanding gender roles in different cultures. The usefulness of cultural immersion gained by spending time abroad was highlighted; such experiences allow one to cultivate the ability to be open-minded, encourage the development of a capacity to empathize with members of under-represented groups, and prevent the tendency of seeing refugees or migrants as “the Other” ( Said, 1978 ).

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Introduction: Comparing mental health systems between different countries illuminates the potential for change by showing us different approaches exist in the global here and now. Globally, people are suffering and dying daily from untreated mental health conditions and those working in these systems have to live in this reality. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine how stigma, underfunding, deficits in best practices, confusing systems, and failed strategic planning are all variables causing systems’ deficits that have people unnecessarily suffering and dying around the world. Methodology: To make the case for change, we use critical analysis to examine mental health systems through an analytic framework that includes history, systems investment, and general treatment approaches. We review mental health care systems through theories of structural functionalism, conflict, social dynamics, and socio-economic asset development. Results: The historical examination provides vital systems-development insight while the systems investment examination delves into the overall funding structures and strategies of each country. Theoretical analysis reveals how problems seem intractable, but also how progress is always possible. Conclusion: This examination informs critically thinking advocates, through historical and theoretical lenses, to generate precise calls for win-win strategies that can be individualized per World Health Organization and other advancing treatment recommendations

This article explores the lived experiences of individuals who have participated in faith-based substance user rehabilitation programs in the Russian Federation. The Russian Federation has high rates of alcohol and opioid dependence and a dearth of professional treatment options. In the post-Soviet period, Evangelical Christian groups have developed substance user rehabilitation programs to attempt to address substance use and its related problems. Data were collected during 2010 via focus group interviews with participants in three Evangelical rehabilitation programs in the Volga region of the Russian Federation. Themes emerging from the qualitative data analysis process were classified into three broad categories: Typical Day, Personal Background/Decision to Enter Rehabilitation, and Helpful Aspects of Rehabilitation Process.