Understanding the Mental Health Needs of American Muslims: Recommendations and Considerations for Practice

Abstract

American Muslims represent a heterogeneous population that is underserved by the mental health community, despite increased psychological distress reported since 9/11. This article offers professionals an understanding of the mental health needs of American Muslims. Recommendations for conducting culturally responsive assessments and treatment are offered. Los Musulmanes Americanos representan un grupo de población heterogéneo que no se encuentra suficientemente abastecido por la comunidad de profesionales en salud mental, a pesar de un creciente malestar psicológico observado desde el 9/11. Este artículo of rece a los profesionales un entendimiento de las necesidades en salud mental de los Musulmanes Americanos. Se ofrecen tratamientos y recomendaciones para llevar a cabo evaluaciones culturalmente sensibles.

Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviors of Muslim Immigrants in the United States: Overcoming Social Stigma and Cultural Mistrust

“…Those reasons include persecution based on ethnicity, religious beliefs/practices, and civil war and international conflict. Muslims may also immigrate to the U.S. in search of economic and educational opportunities, or to reunite with family or join a growing ethnic group (Ahmed & Reddy, 2007;Duran & Pipes, 2002).…”

“…Children are "parentified" because they tend to learn English much quicker than their parents and are put in positions to speak on their parent's behalf, or sometimes being required to make critical decisions that impact the family. Women are also often forced to take on the role of secondary, and sometimes, primary wage earners, leading to the male head of household feeling a loss of control and inadequacy (Ahmed & Reddy, 2007;Awad, 2010;Bemak, Chung, & Pedersen, 2003;Trickett & Jones, 2007). Difficulty learning the English language and limited or non-transferrable job skills also present challenges for Muslim immigrants who are trying to start a new life in the U.S.…”

“…They are unable to navigate the often-daunting social services system, educational system, legal system, and work force. The loss of status in society, an inability to provide for one's family, and unattained educational goals can lead to isolation and marginalization (Ahmed & Reddy, 2007;Ali, Liu, & Humedian, 2004).…”

“…Legislation such as the Patriot Act and travel restrictions have made Muslim immigrants vulnerable to unfair targeting, including home raids, unjustified arrests and detentions, and interrogation (Ahmed & Reddy, 2007;Amri, Nassar-McMillian, Meisenhimer, & Bryan, in press;CAIR, 2002). The negative portrayal of Muslims and Islam in the media has only exacerbated this discrimination and racial profiling (Kira, et al, 2010;Padela & Heisler, 2010).…”

“…Muslim immigrants in the U.S., because of their diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and similar to other immigrant minority groups, face challenges such as marginalization, discrimination, racism, and struggles with acculturation (Ahmed & Reddy, 2007). These challenges contribute to mental health difficulties, yet there is an underutilization of mental health services by Muslim immigrants (Aloud & Rathur, 2009).…”