Family Focused Care for Refugees and Displaced Populations: Global Opportunities for Family Therapists

Abstract

Recent global crises have created a significant increase in the number of people leaving their countries. Distress experienced by these refugees often leads to posttraumatic stress disorder and depression and can also result in psychotic disorders, substance abuse, and interpersonal violence. The World Health Organization leads the organizing of refugee services as part of a larger initiative to provide mental health services to citizens in low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization has identified challenges in providing care, including a provider shortage, issues with how refugees access and receive care and a lack of uniformity in mental health services. By applying the values and systemic orientation of the profession, family therapists can address some of the challenges in treating mental health concerns of these at-risk populations.

Standing and Responding in Solidarity with Disenfranchised Immigrant Families in the United States: An Ongoing Call for Action

“…This is particularly true of refugee families, whose migration experiences are often traumatic in nature. Many refugee families have survived traumatic events and violence including persecution, torture, war, multiple relocations, and temporary resettlements in refugee camps (Glick, 2010; Patterson, Abu‐Hassan, Vakili, & King, 2018; Steel et al., 2009). The destructive consequences of war and organized violence involve an entire reorganization of family life and society compounded by the long‐lasting effects of collective traumatization (Rousseau, Drapeau, & Platt, 1999).…”

The Synergistic Influence of Life Experiences and Cultural Nuances on Development of Depression: A Cognitive Behavioral Perspective

“…The combination of depression and toxic stress contribute to the deterioration of individuals' mental and physical health and well-being (Hatchel et al, 2018). Other investigators indicate that the experience and negative outcome of depression (including suicide rates) for persons in community settings intensifies when persons are poor, female, bullied, and are racially and/ or ethnically diverse (Banzhaf & Kunes-Connell, 2019;Hong, Peguero, & Espelage, 2018;Jadhav & Weir, 2018;Murphy et al, 2018;Patterson, Abu-Hassan, Vakili, & King, 2018;Romere et al, 2018;Skoog, Hallstr€ om, & Berggren, 2017;Steinbrenner, 2010;Shern et al, 2014; The Lancet Psychiatry, 2019; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS), 2011; Vancampfort et al, 2018). Issues regarding increasing access to care for children, adolescents, and adults from racially and ethnically diverse population is another component to consider regarding healthcare implications for providers (USDHHS, 2001(USDHHS, , 2011.…”

Family Work in the Community and CAMH Care System

“…Many of them are separated from their families that had been a strong support system in their country of origin, the absence of which makes them vulnerable to mental health problems and substance abuse disorders. There is potential for family work among the refugees to address the mental health concerns of displaced persons either due to external or in-country migration (Patterson et al 2018a). Familyfocused interventions where group of parents with similar concerns come together regardless of the child's diagnostic label to tackle the challenges might provide relief to the parents who are challenged by climate change-related disasters and imminent migration.…”