Treatment interventions

Choosing which interventions are needed and which should come first should be done together with the client and, if they wish, with their support network. Health care providers should adapt treatment plans to the client's most immediate needs. These may include referral to essential settlement services prior to addressing more sensitive mental health issues.

This section outlines the key considerations prior to treatment, psychosocial interventions that go beyond the traditional medication route and the importance of social supports for mental health outcomes.

Preliminary research has identified formal and informal methods for promoting resilience. Informally, personal networks are identified as the key contributors to successful resettlement and integration (Simich et al., 2012; Ciaramella, 2021). Formally, it is recognized that more service delivery options to promote resilience are needed (Simich et al., 2012). Specific to the health services sector, research shows that the nature of service delivery is of utmost importance, characterized by ongoing outreach and cultural competence (Simich et al., 2012).

When assessing immigrants and refugees, considering their social status is crucially important and should happen prior to conducting an assessment for treatment. The focus should be on helping people maintain their own roles and allowing them take part in activities that build skills and resilience. To that end, the U.K. National Health Service promotes a strategy for mental well-being entitled the “Five steps to mental wellbeing” (NHS, 2016):