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    Maryland Department of Health
    Center for Global Migration and Immigrant Health


    Maryland Refugee Mental Health Program

    Each year approximately 2000 humanitarian immigrants, including refugees, asylees, parolees, and victims of trafficking, are welcomed to Maryland from all over the world. They have left their home countries due to fear of persecution and to escape political, religious, or ethnic strife. Many have experienced trauma; all have experienced loss. While most adapt well to their new community, some may struggle with adjusting to their new circumstances, or carry memories of extraordinary trauma—war, torture, and prolonged separation from loved ones. 

    The Maryland Refugee Mental Health Program connects humanitarian immigrants with culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services. 

    Activities

    The Maryland Refugee Mental Health Program seeks to increase humanitarian immigrant access to culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services through:

    • ​​Early Detection and Screening: Early detection of mental health concerns ensures that refugees get linked to mental health care. All humanitarian immigrants 14 years and older are screened for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during their domestic refugee health assessment (RHA) using the RHS-15 screening tool. In addition, children ages 5 to 13 years are screened to assess their current emotional well-being using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

    • Referral, Assessment, and Treatment: Humanitarian immigrants who screen positive on the RHS-15 or SDQ are offered a referral for further assessment and treatment, if needed.

    • Education and Training: Training is provided to partner organizations and refugee communities on language access and refugee mental health topics. Support and wellness groups are offered to newly arrived humanitarian immigrants. 

    • Epidemiology: Results of the RHS-15, SDQ, and other data related to humanitarian immigrant mental health are compiled, tracked, and analyzed for trends. These data are used to inform program development around humanitarian immigrant refugee mental health, detect population-level trends, and track outcomes.​

    Resources

    • Intercultural Counseling Connection: Baltimore based organization that matches refugees and other immigrants with free, culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services 

    • Pathways to Wellness: Refugee mental health partnership in the Pacific Northwest; developer of the RHS-15 mental health screening tool and a refugee support group curriculum

    • United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants: National refugee resettlement agency that has developed numerous translated resources

    • Synergy Family Services: Maryland based Outpatient Mental Health Center focused on providing strength-based, culturally proficient services to enhance the social, emotional, behavioral health and wellness of individuals and families.

    • Pro Bono Counseling: Baltimore based organization that provides access to volunteer licensed mental health professionals and other necessary supportive services. 

    ​

    If you need help or have questions:

    • For immediate help, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

      • The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

    • For questions about behavioral health services, humanitarian immigrants should inquire at their RHA 


    Funding

    The Maryland Refugee Mental Health Program is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement, Refugee Health Promotion Grant. 



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