Treatment of Mental Illness

Abstract

Refugees are at high risk of developing mental distress. When mental illness is identified, treatment has many challenges due to complex cultural backgrounds, social needs, resistance to accepting mental health treatment, and lack of resources in the host country. Current evidence for treatment is mostly centered around trauma-focused approaches though resettlement stressors need to be taken into consideration. Psychoeducation and comprehensive multidisciplinary community-based treatment are key components of management. Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and culturally sensitive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are two psychotherapeutic modalities well documented in refugees. This chapter reviews the evidence for pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, psychosocial, and community-based interventions for treating mental distress in refugees. The chapter ends with a recommendation for providers to engage in self-care to avoid vicarious traumatization.