Overcoming the challenges of managing mental health in migrant children

Abstract

Mental health in migrant children has been under-researched and undertaught. In this article, we review the issues relating to mental health in migrant children. Mental illness can take different forms, and might have different explanations and understandings in different cultures. The process of immigration can be stressful and complex, and contributes to individual risk factors. This article reviews the mental health issues and prevalence of mental health disorders in migrant children. The risk factors pertaining to the process of immigration are also reviewed. Cultural competence is becoming an essential skill to be learned by professionals in the health sector to facilitate the delivery of acceptable quality care. The cultural competence continuum, approaches to a cultural formulation, and suggestions for meeting the challenges posed by mental health issues in migrant children are described.