Citation

Sen P. BJPsych Int. 2016; 13(2): 30-32.

Affiliation

Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Complex Needs Service, St Andrew's, Essex, UK; Visiting Lecturer, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK, email psen@standrew.co.uk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Royal College of Psychiatrists)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

29093893

Abstract

Global events like wars and natural disasters have led to the refugee population reaching numbers not seen since the Second World War. Attitudes to asylum have hardened, with the potential to compromise the mental health needs of asylum seekers and refugees. The challenges in providing mental healthcare for asylum seekers and refugees include working with the uncertainties of immigration status and cultural differences. Ways to meet the challenges include cultural competency training, availability of interpreters and cultural brokers as well as appropriately adapting modes of therapy. Service delivery should support adjustment to life in a foreign country. Never has the need been greater for psychiatrists to play a leadership role in the area.

Language: en