Community-based mental health care and narrative exposure therapy

Abstract

Global mental health explores cultural differences and country-specific conditions, it deals with the epidemiology of mental disorders in different countries, their treatment options, mental health education, the structure of mental health care systems, and human rights issues. Specifically, this chapter focuses on community-based mental health approaches to trauma-related illness in refugees and related comorbidities. We develop an argument for shared mental health care, enhanced psychoeducation and other training for primary care practitioners working with refugees. We discuss cultural safety, trauma-informed care approaches, and narrative exposure therapy. We provide examples of these approaches and therapies, and explore how a narrative approach may provide an opportunity to involve students and primary care practitioners in more nuanced communication and care of refugees and other migrants.