Mental health training programs for non-health professionals and volunteers working with asylum-seekers and refugees: scoping review

Abstract

Objective: To identify and describe the mental health training programs for non-health professionals and volunteers who work, have worked, or would work with asylum seekers and/or refugees. Method: Scoping review following JBI methodology. Search carried out in MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection, RCAAP, ProQuest, and websites of Clinical Trials, UNHCR, International Organization for Migration, WHO, Save the Children, International Migration, Integration and Social Cohesion in Europe, and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Studies written in English, Portuguese, French, Spanish and Swedish. Results: Of the 8954 articles identified, 16 were included reporting on 11 training programs: Mind-Spring, PM+, MHFA, Cognitive-Behavioral Training for Community and Religious Leaders, EmpaTeach, Suicide Prevention Education Program, Teaching Recovery Techniques, Handbook for Teachers of Vietnamese Refugee Students, PFA, Psychosocial support of volunteers and CBP&MHPSS. Conclusion: Training programs from scientific literature focus on mental health disorders, while non-governmental organizations’ documents focus on resilience and self-care. The current mental health training programs might be insufficient.