Mental health care for migrants in the Netherlands: A decolonial perspective

This study addresses the mental health needs of refugees and migrants in the Netherlands, highlighting the urgent public health challenges they face. Unique psychosocial hurdles, exacerbated by cultural dislocation, language barriers and systemic inequalities, hinder their access to quality mental h...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Gian-Louis Hernandez, Melanie de Looper, Sabine Braun, Graham Hieke, Demi Krystallidou, Julia van Weert, Barbara Schouten
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2025-01-01
Series:Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2054425125100381/type/journal_article
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This study addresses the mental health needs of refugees and migrants in the Netherlands, highlighting the urgent public health challenges they face. Unique psychosocial hurdles, exacerbated by cultural dislocation, language barriers and systemic inequalities, hinder their access to quality mental healthcare. This study explores how coloniality intersects with mental healthcare access, using a decolonial framework to challenge stereotypes and assumptions that marginalize migrant voices. Through semi-structured interviews with migrants and language service providers, this research reveals the complexities of navigating the mental healthcare system. Findings reveal that temporality, professionalism and language barriers are key issues in migrants’ mental healthcare journeys. We advocate for systemic changes that prioritize migrant perspectives. Ultimately, this study aims to inform policy and practice to enhance mental health services for migrant populations in the Netherlands and contribute to the broader dialogue on decolonization in mental health.
ISSN:2054-4251