Refugee youth: A review of mental health counselling issues and practices.

Abstract

A global migration crisis has resulted in unprecedented numbers of refugees coming to Canada and other countries. A third of these refugees are youth, arriving with family members or alone. Although specific circumstances differ widely, refugee youth need support with language learning, education, and adjusting to a new country; a significant number also need mental health services. For this review paper, we focused on mental health issues and challenges refugee youth face, as well as counselling practices that have been found to be effective with these youth. There has been very little research specifically focused on refugee-youth mental health in Canada; however, the studies cited come from Canada, the United States, Australia, and European countries that have much similarity in their approaches to mental health counselling and psychotherapy. An overview of the refugee-youth context is presented first, followed by a description of refugee mental health issues and challenges, a discussion of barriers to engagement with mental health services, and suggestions for effective mental health counselling practices for this population. The paper concludes with a summary of key findings from the literature and suggestions for future research to address the gaps in knowledge. Given the adversities many young refugees experience premigration, during migration, and after resettlement, it is not surprising that they experience mental health problems. Despite difficulties, young refugees demonstrate adaptability, perseverance, and resilience; having mental health professionals acknowledge their strengths and abilities will help them on their healing path and support them to adapt positively to a new home.

Türkiye’deki Suriyeli üniversite öğrencilerinde yılmazlık

“…Grit has an important influence on individuals' resilience. It is an expected situation that young immigrants show resilience with grit despite difficulties (Marshall, Butler, Roche, Cumming, & Taknint, 2016). Alessi (2016), in his research describes immigrant youth as "individuals who are determined at any cost".…”

Psychological Antecedents of Refugee Integration (PARI)

“…In addition to lack of knowledge about health services in the receiving country or poor command of the new language, the experience of migration perils might hamper refugees' willingness to access these services. Interpersonal traumatic events before or during migration might induce beliefs that increase lack of trust in health professionals and thus prevent refugees from seeking medical or psychological help (Jankovic et al, 2011;Marshall, Butler, Roche, Cumming, & Taknint, 2016;Priebe et al, 2016). Moreover, the characteristics of forced (vs. more voluntary) migration may restrict or vie for the resources needed for bereavement, especially shortly after arrival in the receiving society.…”

Perception, Attitudes, and Experiences Regarding Mental Health Problems and Web Based Mental Health Information Amongst Young People with and without Migration Background in Germany. A Qualitative Study

“…In recent years, an increasing number of people have migrated to Germany with most of the applicants being younger than 30 years old [ 34 ]. The migration experience can be a stressful process; hence, the migrant population is more vulnerable to have mental disorders due to traumatic experiences and they may experience post-traumatic stress disorder, adaptation problems, anxiety, and depression [ 35 ]. Nevertheless, there is a lack of adequate information and treatment options available.…”