Mental Health for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

The below post was prepared by a friend who is a keen observer of the immigration system, and who has seen many cases in immigration court, at the asylum office, and with USCIS.  My friend wishes to remain anonymous: 

Refugees and asylum seekers more often than not arrive in the United States after having endured difficult conditions and traumatic experiences.  As a consequence, many are affected by stress and trauma-related mental health issues, such as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).  

Newly arrived asylum seekers often have difficulty finding mental health assistance, especially when many are unlikely to venture beyond their close family and friends, and there are stigmas attached to seeking such assistance.  Fortunately across the country, there are many organizations that provide low-cost or free mental healthcare.

According to the Transactional Record Access Clearing House (“TRAC”), the bulk of asylum cases (six out of ten) are decided in four of the fifty-two immigration courts across the country: New York City, Miami, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.  Finding assistance in one of those four cities is probably easier than in other places, since immigrant communities are more established.

Regardless of location, the links below should provide a good starting place to find the help needed.  The below list is far from comprehensive, so please feel free to share any other sources in the comments section.

 And of course, inclusion on this list does not constitute an endorsement.  Rather, the organization listed below should provide a starting point for people in need of assistance:

Mental Health Association of California: www.mhac.org (California Only)

Florida Mental Health Counselors Association: www.floridamhca.org (Florida Only)

The Pro Bono Counseling Project: www.probonocounseling.org (Maryland only)

CAIR (Capital Area Immigrant’s Right’s) Coalition: www.caircoalition.org  (Maryland, Virginia, and DC)

Mental Health America: www.mentalhealthamerica.net (Nationwide)

Another good place to seek out assistance is any local teaching hospital.  Hopefully this list will provide a starting point for those seeking assistance.

Originally posted on the Asylumist: www.Asylumist.com.

Comments

[Tuyen]

Again an overcrowded boat full of asulym seekers sank on Saturday, killing as many as 180 people, going down in rough seas off the coast of Prigi in East Java.The vessel was thought to be carrying as many as 215 people however so far only 34 survivors have been found, and rough seas mean rescuers are pessimistic about finding further survivors.Reports say most of those on board were Afghans and Iranians the boat is believed to have been heading to Australia.It is the second time since the start of November this year that an overloaded asulym-seeker vessel has sunk off Java.Sad days, take a pause

[Hiroshi]

The only thing i will say about this is: Human race are the most stupid crrteuaes on this earth just because they think people who sing are maybe Gods and Godnesss But they are not! Cher is a woman, human, and if even Celine Dion got sick when she performed there, why Cher dont have that right also? I guess people needs to look at something else like how works one body when pass the barrier of the 60s things are not the same at when people have 20s or 30s or 40s I want remenber also long time ago in the early of 90s Cher was very very sick and Doctors thought she would die, so maybe this can means something for someone

[Evelyn]

I am praying that Ibrahim will be deerotpd and hope David Cameron and Theresa May will over rule like a government should this piece of scum any ruling that he should remain in this country. We have had enough of wrong doing foreigners coming here especially illegally.If the judges had any regard for the Amy's and her dad's human rights they would deport him immediately, after all Ibrahim's partner can always join him in Iraq.Maggie

[Cichclaiday]

Takk for en interessant blogg

[eagettyneaw]

Si, probabilmente lo e