Mental Health Care Providers’ Perspectives on Serving African Immigrants and Refugees In the U.S.

Background and Purpose: Refugees are often exposed to trauma prior to resettlement in the United States, and both refugees and immigrants may experience post-migration stressors that contribute to elevated mental health needs compared with general populations. At the same time, many individuals draw on strong cultural values, faith traditions, family networks, and community connections that promote resilience and coping. Despite these protective factors, barriers to accessing culturally responsive mental health care remain. This study explored the experiences of mental health care providers in delivering services to African immigrants and refugees, aiming to identify challenges and inform culturally responsive practice.

Methods: This study employed an inductive qualitative design, with data analyzed using inductive coding to identify and refine themes, in line with the six-step thematic analysis framework developed by Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke. Following Institutional Review Board approval, five mental health care providers who work with African immigrants and refugees participated in one-time, audio-recorded interviews consisting of open-ended questions about their experiences delivering mental health services.

Results: Six key themes emerged. Cultural norms and stigma limit open discussions about mental health and discourage help-seeking behaviors. Participants highlighted a strong preference for community-based approaches, emphasizing the role of communal support and engagement with community leaders. There is a clear demand for culturally competent counselors capable of building relational trust and understanding clients’ experiences. Communication barriers, including language differences, impede access and utilization of mental health services. Providers reported unique adversities related to war, displacement, and resettlement challenge, while also noting the resilience and adaptive coping strategies of African immigrants and refugees.

Conclusions and Implications: Findings underscore the need for mental health services that directly address cultural stigma, integrate community-based supports, and provide culturally competent care. Language accessibility and tailored, trauma-informed interventions are also critical. While these approaches may differ between refugees and immigrants, culturally relevant interventions remain essential for both groups. By centering provider perspectives, this study highlights both barriers and strengths in service delivery, offering actionable guidance to improve mental health care for African immigrants and refugees in the United States. These findings contribute to a nuanced, culturally informed understanding of migrant mental health and may inform future policy, practice, and research