When home is gone: An application of the multicultural orientation framework to enhance clinical practice with refugees of forced migration.


Forced migration represents an enduring human catastrophe. Although the impetuses of forced migration are varied, the experience can nevertheless provoke or exacerbate a cascade of issues, including acute and chronic physical illness and limited upward economic mobility or opportunities for resettlement. Persistent psychological challenges are compounded by cultural barriers, such as language issues and experiences of prejudice and stigmatization. Moreover, refugees may face additional barriers accessing culturally informed treatment that effectively meets refugees’ treatment needs. Therefore, this article provides an overview of cultural considerations in the treatment of refugee populations and introduces the multicultural orientation framework as a method to enhance mental health services for refugee populations and to help guide clinicians in the delivery of culturally appropriate care. We note the importance of therapists’ seeking cultural opportunities with humility and comfort to best serve refugee populations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)