History of Refugee Wellness

The Refugee Wellness: UNC Refugee Mental Health and Wellness Initiative attempted to address the mental health needs of refugees by offering mental health screenings and treatment to newly arrived refugees who are resettled by Church World Service of Durham, NC in Orange and Durham Counties during its pilot year (2013-2014).

In its second year, the project served refugees across Wake, Durham and Orange Counties, but primarily focused on building a relationship with U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants in Wake County. With little research data available on refugees’ mental health needs in NC, this project also collected data on the extent and severity of mental health symptoms among the sample population, as well as the acceptability and feasibility of providing treatment services.

Refugees suffer from chronic physical illnesses, mental illnesses, and substance abuse at rates much higher than the general population. Routine mental health screening and assessment does not occur in the refugee reception and placement (R&P) process. R&P agency staff refer refugees for mental health services as needed and assist refugees in connecting with services as appropriate.

However, the lack of screening by refugee service providers limits opportunities to identify distress in refugees who do not come forward. Furthermore, few mental health providers have been identified in the NC Triangle area who have the cultural competency and training in trauma-informed treatment modalities necessary to adequately address the mental health needs of refugees. Finally, language interpretation is not a reimbursable service, and most mental health providers are unwilling to absorb the cost of paying for interpreters.