Mental Health Care for Forcibly Displaced Migrants in Ireland: a Perspective Review for Health Professionals

In recent years, global context has resulted in a growing number of forcibly displaced migrants (FDM) in Europe, including Ireland. Several factors can impact determinants of health, including traumatic experiences, resilience, and cultural background, along with local frameworks and accessibility to services. Interpreter availability, level of knowledge, and utilisation are of relevance to quality service provision, as is training and supervision. FDM are a vulnerable group; studies suggest higher rates of mental illness, but understanding this is complex. While community structures have been suggested to respond to specific needs, pathways to access secondary mental health services in Ireland can cause challenges and inequity. This review brings together relevant literature to conceptualise the topic and make recommendations for health professionals engaged in mental healthcare of FDM. Understanding professionals' perspectives, inclusion of people with lived experience, strong inter-agency collaboration, supervision, and training are some of the recommendations proposed.