Services for immigrants and refugees should be based on models that are effective for other groups in Canada. Refugees, however, may need more emphasis placed on psychosocial needs. Providing treatment to immigrants and refugees is easier if the health service provider more closely reflects the population that they are serving, especially among the leadership of health service providing institutions (Al Masri, 2018; Hansson et al., 2010).
Training to improve cultural awareness, competence and sensitivity can change attitudes, increase knowledge and enhance skills for treating immigrants and refugees. Providing such training to individuals in isolation is likely insufficient to improve the experience of immigrants and refugees, however (Hansson et al., 2010). Services and organizations must also consider improving their cultural awareness and becoming sensitive to the needs of immigrants and refugees (Al Masri, 2018; Hansson et al., 2010). Organizations and services that consider changing clinic times to meet the needs of clients, or taking services to where immigrants and refugees live, or offering professional interpreters are likely to support increased access and improved outcomes for immigrants and refugees.
A number of useful treatment models have successfully improved the mental health of immigrants and refugees (Mental Health Commission of Canada [MHCC], 2016a). Considering these models and recognizing and respecting the treatment approaches that are preferred by and successful for different groups can support better mental health outcomes for immigrants and refugees (Al Masri, 2018; Hansson et al., 2010).