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Assessing Virtual Mental Health Access for Refugees during the COVID-19 Pandemic Using the Levesque Client-Centered Framework: What Have We Learned and How Will We Plan for the Future?

Author

Listed:
  • Michaela Hynie

    (Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
    Center for Refugee Studies, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada)

  • Annie Jaimes

    (Department of Psychoeducation, Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
    Sherpa University Institute, Montreal, QC H3N 1Y9, Canada)

  • Anna Oda

    (Center for Refugee Studies, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada)

  • Marjolaine Rivest-Beauregard

    (Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada)

  • Laura Perez Gonzalez

    (Center for Refugee Studies, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada)

  • Nicole Ives

    (Sherpa University Institute, Montreal, QC H3N 1Y9, Canada
    School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B9, Canada)

  • Farah Ahmad

    (School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada)

  • Ben C. H. Kuo

    (Department of Psychology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada)

  • Neil Arya

    (Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 3L8, Canada)

  • Nimo Bokore

    (School of Social Work, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada)

  • Kwame McKenzie

    (Wellesley Institute, Toronto, ON M5A 2E7, Canada)

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health services rapidly transitioned to virtual care. Although such services can improve access for underserved populations, they may also present unique challenges, especially for refugee newcomers. This study examined the multidimensional nature of access to virtual mental health (VMH) care for refugee newcomers during the COVID-19 pandemic, using Levesque et al.’s Client-Centered Framework for Assessing Access to Health Care. One hundred and eight structured and semi structured interviews were conducted in four Canadian provinces (8 community leaders, 37 newcomer clients, 63 mental health or service providers or managers). Deductive qualitative analysis, based on the Client-Centered Framework, identified several overarching themes: challenges due to the cost and complexity of using technology; comfort for VMH outside clinical settings; sustainability post-COVID-19; and communication and the therapeutic alliance. Mental health organizations, community organizations, and service providers can improve access to (virtual) mental health care for refugee newcomers by addressing cultural and structural barriers, tailoring services, and offering choice and flexibility to newcomers.

Suggested Citation

  • Michaela Hynie & Annie Jaimes & Anna Oda & Marjolaine Rivest-Beauregard & Laura Perez Gonzalez & Nicole Ives & Farah Ahmad & Ben C. H. Kuo & Neil Arya & Nimo Bokore & Kwame McKenzie, 2022. "Assessing Virtual Mental Health Access for Refugees during the COVID-19 Pandemic Using the Levesque Client-Centered Framework: What Have We Learned and How Will We Plan for the Future?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:9:p:5001-:d:797927
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Satinsky, Emily & Fuhr, Daniela C. & Woodward, Aniek & Sondorp, Egbert & Roberts, Bayard, 2019. "Mental health care utilisation and access among refugees and asylum seekers in Europe: A systematic review," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 123(9), pages 851-863.
    2. Rolke, Kristin & Wenner, Judith & Razum, Oliver, 2019. "Shaping access to health care for refugees on the local level in Germany – Mixed-methods analysis of official statistics and perspectives of gatekeepers," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 123(9), pages 845-850.
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