This qualitative study explored trainees' experiences in an outreach program for refugee/immigrant women to examine if those experiences facilitated the development of multicultural competency and social justice advocacy. Twelve students were interviewed, and their responses yielded 3 categories: development of cultural knowledge, counseling‐related skills, and personal growth and reactions. The results indicate that student involvement in an outreach program can strengthen multicultural sensitivity and advocacy engagement.

Refugee and immigrant women may face a variety of pre- and post-migration stressors that make them susceptible to mental health disorders and adjustment problems. Recommendations on how to effectively provide mental health services to this population, based on a mental health program developed to meet the specific needs of refugee and immigrant women in a Midwestern city, are provided. This specific program offers a holistic approach, including counseling, home visits, psycho-educational workshops, and support and advocacy from other refugee and immigrant women. A case study is included to illustrate how this program functions.

This study examined the relations among acculturation, domestic violence, and mental health in 62 married refugee women from Somalia. Refugees from Somalia constituted the largest group of refugees entering the United States in 2005, and little is known about the presence of domestic violence in this group. The results showed that women who reported greater ability to speak English also reported more experiences of partner psychological abuse and physical aggression. Experiences of more psychological abuse and physical aggressions also predicted more psychological distress. Implications for future research and psychological services are addressed.

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