PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS TO MANAGE ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND POST-TRAUMATIC SYMPTOMS AMONG IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Background: Immigrant and refugee children and adolescents are at increased risk for developing mental health problems like anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms due to displacement, trauma and acculturation stressors. There is a growing need to evaluate psychotherapeutic interventions tailored to this population.

Objective: The goal of this study is to delineate major intervention approaches, evaluate their effectiveness, delivery contexts and outcomes in the target populations.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted of studies published in the past 3 decades evaluating psychotherapeutic interventions for immigrant and refugee children and adolescents.

Results: Reviewed articles are categorized under 5 major categories: 1) Cognitive-behavioral and trauma-focused interventions, 2) Creative arts and play-based therapies, 3) Combined/multimodal interventions, 4) Family and community-based interventions, 5) Preventive and skills-building interventions.

Conclusion: A range of psychotherapeutic approaches have been utilized to support the mental health of immigrant, refugee children and adolescents demonstrating effectiveness. Involving families and communities in these interventions can lead to better outcomes by having a positive influence on the overall well-being. Importance of accessible setting like school or community is also highlighted in some of the studies reviewed.