Unique Mental Health Needs of Immigrant Populations

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To support the professional development of its staff and mental health care providers, Metro Psychology Support Services has partnered with Argosy University to enable its employees to access various programs at the university, along with receiving discounted fees. Metro Psychology Support Services is equally devoted to its diverse client base and offers mental health care services in multiple languages. 

Minnesota is home to more than 400,000 immigrants from all corners of the globe. Many of the state's foreign-born residents come from South America or Central America, Southeast Asia, East Africa, and West Africa. First-generation and second-generation immigrants have unique experiences that require specialized and culturally-sensitive mental health treatment. 

For example, as a result of leaving their home country, many families and individuals have been separated from close family and friends, faced traumatic events in their country of origin, or experienced severe culture shock. There are also ongoing barriers to accessing proper mental health care due to language barriers and cultural stigmas. 

To better serve a diverse population of foreign-born residents, mental health care providers work with bilingual mental health practitioners or hire interpreters to ensure non-English speaking clients feel accepted and are able to communicate effectively. 

Additionally, mental health professionals should have at least basic training in cultural sensitivity and be aware of the client’s cultural customs and beliefs that may impact how mental illness is labeled, diagnosed, and treated.