Migrants, refugees and mental health care in Europe

Part of : Hellenic journal of psychology ; Vol.7, No.1, 2010, pages 21-37

Issue:
Pages:
21-37
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Abstract:
This article focuses on the provision of mental health services to migrants andrefugees in Europe. It draws in particular on two recent studies, a mapping of mental healthservices for migrants and a study examining good practice in the mental health and social careof refugees. It is argued that research examining mental health provision for migrants andrefugees is both timely and vital in addressing not only the needs of these groups but also inensuring that services are responsive to these needs. A preoccupation only with determiningthe nature and extent of mental health problems in these populations may inadvertentlyobscure salient issues relating to the interrelationships between service provision and theidentification and treatment of mental health problems. It may also lead to an absence ofattention towards important issues concerning the organisation and delivery of services. It isargued that not only should attention be given to services but that, further, these should beexamined within the wider political, economic and social contexts in which they emerge andare sustained. Through placing services within these wider contexts realistic approachestowards the identification and dissemination of good practice can be developed.
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Subject (LC):
Keywords:
mental health care, mental health services, migrants, refugees
Notes:
Περιέχει βιβλιογραφία, Special issue: Forced migration and social care