Barriers to mental health treatment for refugees in Maine : an exploratory study

The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers refugees face when it comes to accessing mental health treatment in Maine. Research suggests that refugees underutilize mental health services throughout the United States, despite equal to higher rates of mental health symptoms when compared to the general population. To acquire data, eight refugees were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Participants were asked to share about their perceptions of mental illness and mental health treatment, discuss coping mechanisms that they find useful, and offer suggestions for providers working with refugees. Major findings included that stigma, fear, language, and cultural differences are the largest barriers for refugees when it comes to accessing treatment. Participants expressed that community, humor, and faith are coping mechanisms that are helpful when confronting hardships. Finally, participants felt that providers should reach out to refugee communities to educate refugees about available services and destigmatize mental illness