Culturally Competent Mental Health Services for Refugees: The Case for a Community-Based Treatment Approach

This article addresses issues of best practice and social justice relative to refugee mental health treatment through the example of an existing mental health treatment clinic in Southeastern Wisconsin. Authors consider the state/local history (in Wisconsin), current practices, and existing funding challenges related to the provision of ethical and culturally competent mental health treatment services to refugees. Two prominent areas are explored: 1) What types of professional practice/service expenses are particular to the provision of culturally competent, ethical, and refugee mental health treatment? 2) Are funders of refugee mental health services sufficiently meeting the needs of this at-risk population? Dedication: To Sebastian, our friend and pioneer.