ABSTRACT
This chapter describes practical steps in meeting the mental health needs of refugees and asylum seekers. In providing such services, nurses may work with people at the very point of their distress – often during the processes attendant upon gaining asylum or a permanent protection visa. An important aspect of providing mental health services to refugees and asylum seekers relates to processes surrounding claims for asylum. The structure of individual mental health support should be built around the processes of seeking asylum and coping with rejections and setbacks during lengthy and, at times, complex legal processes. Asylum seekers’ suffering can become increasingly intolerable at times of re-interviewing and rejection of refugee claims by immigration officials. Asylum applications are considered in light of the information supplied and any facts known about the country the person is fleeing. An important consideration regarding mental health services for refugees and asylum seekers is potential conflict concerning assessment and care planning.
