Facilitators of mental health support for asylum seekers: perspectives from professionals

Abstract Background Among forced migrants, asylum seekers are particularly susceptible to mental health challenges, exacerbated by their uncertain legal status and limited access to services. Additionally, asylum seekers encounter numerous barriers to accessing mental health support. Consequently, professionals play a crucial role in providing mental health support to asylum seekers. This study aims to explore the meaning-making of facilitators of mental health support from the perspectives of professionals operating at various positions within the reception system. Methods A total of 25 professionals from various locations in Finland were interviewed individually or in focus groups between November 2023 and May 2024. Participants included nurses, social workers, instructors, and unit directors working in reception centers, as well as external mental health professionals and management-level professionals. Interviews lasted between 80 and 100 minutes. The findings were thematically categorized into micro, meso, and macro levels. Results The professionals made sense of facilitators at multiple levels. At the micro level, the professionals highlighted diverse skills and training of professionals in mental health support, culturally sensitive approaches, and effective collaboration with interpreters. At the meso level, the centralized organization of health and social services within the center, intersectoral collaboration, and the established rapport between professionals and asylum seekers were key facilitators. At the macro level, the possibility to refer asylum seekers to external services emerged as a significant facilitator. Conclusions This study addresses a critical research gap by examining professionals’ meaning-making on the facilitators of asylum seekers’ mental health support. The multi-level examination of facilitators is essential for identifying mechanisms and developing services that enhance the wellbeing of asylum seekers. Key messages • Effective mental health support for asylum seekers is multi-faceted, requiring diverse skills and training, and strong collaboration at individual, systemic, and policy levels. • The findings underscore the necessity of multi-level examination of facilitators to ensure the provision of equitable and responsive to the needs of asylum seekers.