Morales FR, Nguyen-Finn KL, Haidar M, Mercado A. Humanitarian crisis on the US-Mexico border: Mental health needs of refugees and asylum seekers.
Curr Opin Psychol 2022;
48:101452. [PMID:
36084505 DOI:
10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101452]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Families and youth from the Northern Triangle of Central America seeking asylum in the U.S. report substantial trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Sexual and gender minorities of this population especially present unique circumstances and thus challenges and needs. However, with immigration along the southern U.S. border at a 21-year high, health and social resources for refugees and asylum seekers are being strained. Accordingly, the primary aim of this review is to raise awareness about migration-related trauma and the mental health needs among Central American and LGBTQ + refugees and asylum seekers in the U.S.-Mexico border. The authors also discuss practical, clinical, and advocacy implications to improve the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers entering the United States.
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