Task-shifting to reimagine migrant mental health support: A hybrid implementation-preliminary effectiveness study

Between 2022 and 2024, U.S. cities faced urgent challenges addressing the mental health needs of newly arrived migrants. This hybrid implementation-effectiveness study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary utility of the Reimagining Mental Health Supports for Migrants intervention, a rapid-response, task-shifting, community capacity-building model. Implemented in a Midwestern "welcoming city," the program trained 499 front-line workers in trauma-informed care, healing-centered engagement, psychological first aid, and crisis prevention. Post-training surveys indicated high satisfaction (97%), strong perceived knowledge gains (e.g., migrant mental health, retraumatization, compassion fatigue; all p < .001), and increased confidence applying strategies learned (96%). Over 87% scored ≥80% on knowledge assessments. Qualitative findings highlighted participants' intentions to foster safety, belonging, and emotional regulation while sustaining workforce well-being. Language-congruent delivery enhanced cultural and pragmatic competence. Findings underscore the promise of culturally responsive, task-shifting interventions for rapidly strengthening migrant mental health supports in emergency humanitarian contexts by building front-line workers' foundational psychosocial skills.