Benefits Of Family Therapy For Immigrant Mental Health Challenges

Whether seeking refuge from conflicts or violence or trying to provide a better life for their family, immigrants move to many countries all over the world for a number of reasons. In 2022, there were over 45 million foreign-born individuals in the United States. Many immigrants experience extreme stress and traumas that can leave them vulnerable to mental and physical health problems. 

Immigration isn’t always easy

Learn how to cope with stress within the system

Unique mental health challenges faced by immigrants

Despite the opportunities some people find when moving to another country, some people are not always welcoming to immigrant families. Also, many immigrants find themselves without social safety nets, such as health care or social housing. The stress of trying to secure a better life and succeed financially without these resources can be overwhelming. 

Pressures faced by children of immigrants

The children of immigrants often experience the additional stress of functioning as interpreters for their older family members, especially when they do not speak English fluently. In addition to managing school responsibilities, they may also need to spend time helping their families access services and navigate daily life in a new nation. This added responsibility can affect their social skills, academic performance, and emotional well-being. Family interventions may help reduce this burden by providing parenting interventions that foster more balanced family roles. Strengthening parenting skills can positively impact emotional stability in immigrant households.

Social inequality and racism

Challenges for immigrants may also differ depending on the financial status and ethnicity of the first-generation immigrant household. People of color may experience not only cultural barriers and social inequality but also the additional trauma of racism, and this can lead to higher rates of depression and other mental disorders. 

Additionally, research shows that approximately 18% of immigrants did not have health insurance in 2022, making it difficult to access services for mental health support. The lack of available resources for immigrants limits options for finding a therapist who understands their cultural adjustments and unique experiences. Other families facing similar struggles often rely on family reunification programs to help ease their transition.  

Signs and symptoms of PTSD and other common mental health problems found in the immigrant community

Many immigrants leave their countries of origin due to political upheaval, violence, unrest, and other traumatic events. Some are direct victims of displacement and live in refugee camps due to conflict or natural disasters. This kind of severe, ongoing trauma can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex PTSD. Parents and children who have been exposed to extreme circumstances often require long-term treatment and support. On top of the original trauma, life in the United States can involve communication barriers and fear of the government, in the case of those who are undocumented immigrants.

Symptoms of PTSD may include:

• An increased fight-or-flight response
• Avoidance of specific triggers related to trauma (loud noises, certain areas, things that remind a person of traumatic moments)
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks 
• Anxiety

In addition to potential PTSD, trauma related to immigration can also lead to depression or anxiety, especially for the children of immigrants, who may also be taking on a caregiver role. 

Symptoms of anxiety may include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Shallow breathing or shortness of breath
• Trembling
• Body aches and pains
• Gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, heartburn, nausea)

Symptoms of depression may include: 

• A loss of interest in activities
• A persistent feeling of sadness
• Irritability
• Feelings of hopelessness

Unresolved stress and trauma may not only negatively affect mental health but also lead to physical health challenges over time. Mental health treatment offers evidence-based therapies that can improve symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. For a lot of people, it is hard to become immigrants in another country. These immigrants have trouble with social skills, feel isolated from their native culture, and worry about legal problems.  Undocumented immigrants, in particular, may struggle with a deep sense of insecurity in their community, which can exacerbate symptoms of PTSD and anxiety. Professionals specializing in trauma recovery work with immigrants to help them understand and manage their emotional responses to displacement.

Family therapy for immigrant mental health  

Not only can family therapy for immigrant mental health problems address individual challenges like mental health conditions, but it can also foster healthier relationships, teach communication skills, offer parenting interventions, and help heal old traumas. Additionally, creating a safe space for open dialogue helps both adults and children express their emotions in a supportive setting. Family-based interventions offer structured techniques to promote emotional healing among immigrants adjusting to a new environment. However, there can be barriers to mental health care for many members of the immigrant community.

Barriers to mental health services for immigrant populations

Lack of health insurance. Many immigrants do not have health insurance, and immigration status can impact a family’s ability to receive government benefits like Medicaid. Undocumented immigrants may also be wary of seeking coverage out of fear, which can exacerbate stress. They do not qualify for government-funded healthcare, which makes accessing treatment more difficult. Some parents are afraid to apply for Medicaid or other programs due to concerns about legal status. Community health clinics can sometimes provide lower-cost options but are not always available in every country or region.

Stigma or cultural barriers. In some cultures, Western medicine may be viewed with distrusts, and mental health care may be especially stigmatized. Some parents may hold strong convictions that do not allow them to seek help, while their children may feel that their mental health needs are trivial because their parents have been through worse circumstances. Parents may not understand their children’s emotional struggles because, as immigrants, they endured greater hardships in their own country. Professionals who specialize in culturally competent care can play a vital role in helping families bridge these gaps. Particular social group norms may also discourage individuals from openly discussing their difficulties.

Lack of diversity in mental health care. The field of psychology retains a lack of diversity, with around 83% of mental health professionals and practitioners being white individuals. Many immigrants may feel that a white American raised in the United States may not have an understanding of the immigrant experience and would be unable to fully grasp their needs. 

Family therapy for immigrant families and other support options

Some solutions may include looking for community clinics that work with specific populations, such as individuals from Hispanic communities. Some organizations for immigrants provide interventions that focus on improving parenting skills and adapting to life in a new nation. Many organizations may offer sliding-scale payments to make care more affordable for families. An online search in your area may offer some options. 

Family therapy can help adults and children adjust to life in a new country by addressing emotional challenges, improving communication skills, and strengthening parenting skills. Many immigrant families feel pressure to adapt quickly while dealing with discrimination and cultural differences. A culturally sensitive integrative approach can provide effective treatment, offering support tailored to their unique experiences. Working with professionals who speak English and understand an immigrant’s background can make therapy more effective. Providing additional details about their experiences can help therapists better support each person in the family. By addressing such needs, family therapy can make sure that immigrants build a more stable community that holds out a better future for the coming generation. An awareness of the extent of migration-related stress is essential while designing interventions to improve overall well-being.

Online mental health support for immigrant families

Online therapy may also be helpful in finding culturally relevant support. Virtual therapy provides a safe space to discuss traumatic events, learn social skills, and work through other family issues. Many immigrants in refugee camps also face extreme barriers to in-person care, making digital options a vital resource. Professionals who understand migration-related stressors can help families navigate emotional challenges.

With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can be matched to a number of professionals who may not otherwise be available in your area, including therapists who specialize in immigration trauma or those who understand your language and/or culture. Also, because online therapists typically do not have to handle the overhead cost of maintaining an office, people often find their prices more affordable than those of in-person therapy.

Effectiveness of online therapy for mental health problems like anxiety and depression

Online therapy has been shown to be as effective as in-person therapy. Numerous studies have demonstrated that online therapy can be effective for anxiety and depression, which can be common among immigrants—not just those who migrated to escape violence but also those who migrated for work purposes. Many immigrants experience feelings of loneliness after leaving one country for another and struggle with adjustments. An integrative approach to therapy can provide resources to manage emotional stress while helping individuals build stronger relationships in their community. Since many work long hours or have parents or children who depend on them, online therapy allows them to spend time on their mental health without disrupting their daily responsibilities. Regardless of the reason for moving, many immigrants experience times when they miss their culture and loved ones in their home country.

Immigration isn’t always easy

Learn how to cope with stress within the system

Benefits of mental health services for immigrant populations

Parenting intervention strategies that stress positive involvement. Family-based interventions in therapy can foster positive parent-child relationships. It can be difficult for immigrants to manage financial survival, navigate cultural barriers, and prioritize caring for the mental health of yourself and your children. Children’s outcomes can be better when they are given resources to address stress and learn conflict resolution skills. 

Parents who feel pressure to provide for their families in a new country may struggle to balance work and emotional support. Strengthening parenting skills can improve a child’s emotional stability and long-term success. Access to proper treatment and mental health resources can help children develop better coping strategies and social skills as they adjust to life in a new community.

Many adults and children in refugee camps lack access to proper healthcare, making early intervention difficult. Professionals working in these environments stress the importance of culturally competent treatment to help families heal from displacement-related trauma. When they understand a family's ethnic identity and lived experiences, it can provide helpful guidance in therapy.

Therapy can stop the cycle of generational trauma. Family interventions may also be effective in breaking the cycle of generational trauma. When unaddressed, traumatic events can affect not only those who experience them but also their children and their children’s children. Family interventions and parenting interventions in family therapy may help heal this trauma, removing a major risk factor for mental health challenges for the next generation. 

Takeaway

While there are often significant barriers to mental health care for immigrant populations, there are ways to address many of the disparities, traumas, and pressures of coming to a country that often feels hostile and difficult to navigate. Family therapy may help immigrant families address these challenges. Those who cannot attend family therapy can still seek help with individual therapy, whether in person or online. 

With the advent and spread of online therapy, it has become somewhat less difficult to find a therapist who specializes in working with your population or culture. With BetterHelp, you can be matched with a therapist who has experience working with immigrants and even someone who speaks a specific language. Take the first step toward getting support with immigrant mental health challenges and reach out to BetterHelp today.