Immigrants face a variety of unique stressors that can create or worsen existing
psychological distress. For one, those escaping war and political persecution arrive in the new country with extensive trauma. Even those immigrating for purely economic reasons can
experience distressing events on the journey to the new country. Additionally, some are forced to leave their family behind because of financial restraints, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation in an unfamiliar, and oftentimes unwelcoming environment. Isolation can then exacerbate acculturative stress, distress of having to adjust to the societal differences of the new country, including but not limited to differences in social norms, cultural values/expectations, language, and societal structure. Proper adjustment becomes near impossible without knowing the new country’s language, which takes significant time and energy, a luxury most do not have.
Barriers Preventing Access to Quality Services
Unfortunately, there are structural and cultural barriers in place blocking proper access to
mental health care. Barriers related to language impact both access and quality of services
available. For one, there is a shortage of qualified translators, leading to month-long wait times before being seen. Even after being seen, other translation challenges may arise like having to navigate dialect differences, lacking equivalent translation of psychological jargon, or resorting to using informal translators, like family members, to receive services. The latter poses problems with accurate translation, which can lead to miscommunication and potential ruptures in rapport. Additionally, there aren’t a sufficient number of available culturally competent mental health professionals, which can also lead to miscommunication and disruptions in rapport.
Structural barriers include difficulty navigating complex and confusing healthcare systems,
which oftentimes have long wait times and require extensive documentation. These systems are already challenging for U.S. born individuals to navigate, so imagine how confusing they are for newly arrived immigrants who are unfamiliar with the language. Additionally, those who are undocumented may choose to avoid these systems altogether out of fear of deportation. Cultural barriers are mainly related to the stigma associated with seeking services. Unfortunately, mental health care is still highly stigmatized in many communities, leading those in need to avoid seeking services out of fear of being ostracized/shamed by members of their community.
Future Implications
The following highlights suggestions for bypassing the aforementioned barriers.
Mandating that mental health professionals attend ongoing cultural competency training specific to this population can strengthen the therapeutic alliance and reduce the potential for miscommunication. Furthermore, involving immigrants in designing and implementing
services/training ensures the content is accurate, while also communicating respect and
promoting empathy for their lived experiences. Additionally, investing in high quality
interpretation or mandating translation services be available within mental health agencies
nationwide would improve both access and quality of services available. Lastly, facilitating
access to licensure for mental health professionals trained in their home countries, as well as encouraging their descendants to enter the field can mitigate barriers related to translation.
Cultivating strong relationships between mental health organizations and immigrant
communities can improve cultural competency, as well as increase overall trust and their
willingness to seek services. Conducting informational campaigns within cultural communities that provide psychoeducation and coping skills improves mental health literacy, and reduces the stigma. In addition, nurturing relationships with faith leaders builds trust with the community, and creates opportunities toward providing resources and referrals to community members in need. Lastly, eliminating restrictions to interstate practice and promoting use of telehealth can improve the geographical reach of culturally sensitive services.
Do you struggle with mental health after immigrating to the USA? Are you suffering through Do you feel isolated or alone? If so, please contact Straight Talk Counseling at 714-828-2000 or visit our website at striaghttalkcounseling.org. One of our professional counselors would be happy to speak with you.
Hi! My name is Raimy Jamal and I am an MFT trainee at Straight Talk’s La Mirada location. I am finishing up my last term in the program & also in the process of applying to PsyD programs. Something I recently accomplished is becoming trained in EMDR therapy.
Some things about me: I have three cats who are my literal children. I like hanging out with my friends, hiking, plants, yoga, reading, playing video games, and creative writing.
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