Evidence-Based Practices for Treating Child and Adolescent Refugees

The global refugee crisis, driven by persecution, conflict, and environmental disasters, has led to an unprecedented rise in forcibly displaced individuals, exceeding 110 million in recent years. A significant portion of this population consists of children and adolescents, who represent 41% of refugees and are highly susceptible to trauma and mental health challenges. This chapter addresses the intricate mental health needs of refugee youth, structured around three key objectives: understanding the refugee journey and psychosocial adaptation, evaluating treatment methods for this demographic, and offering guidelines for applying evidence-based trauma therapy. Refugee experiences are categorized into preflight, flight, and resettlement phases, each presenting unique stressors. Mental health outcomes among refugee youth vary widely, influenced by preflight trauma, resettlement difficulties, and social integration challenges. Evidence-based interventions, including universal approaches like Psychological First Aid and targeted therapies, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, are essential. However, there is a need for more research to address the complex, dynamic interrelationships between individual mental health and broader systemic factors. This chapter aims to equip mental health professionals with practical tools and insights for supporting refugee youth effectively.