A Resource-based Approach to Integrative Mental Health Services with Burundian Refugees in East Tennessee

The resettlement process for refugees is challenging and complex (e.g., language barriers, adjusting to a new culture, securing resources, coping with trauma/loss). Access to culturally competent health services is crucial to maximize refugees' functioning in their host society. Medical models that focus on deficiencies among refugees fail to address the complexity of adaptation to their host society as well as resilience/resourcefulness. The Resource-Based Model of Migrant Adaptation not only addresses multiple levels of resources (personal, material, social, and cultural), constraints with regard to resources, and pre-migration and post-migration phases, it also encourages host societies to explore ways in which they can facilitate refugees' resilience/resourcefulness. Cherokee Health Systems (CHS) is a leader in integrated care, a holistic approach integrating mental health services into primary care. Committed to providing care to underserved populations, CHS partners with the Healing Transitions project at the University of Tennessee to address medical and mental health needs of the Burundian community in Knoxville, TN. One of the outcomes of this collaboration is a therapy/peer-support group for Burundian women. Influenced by the Resource-Based Model of Migrant Adaptation, some of the group's goals include developing a voice/vision related to life in the host society; enhancing awareness of resources/resilience; maximizing self-efficacy; exploring common issues refugees face; facilitating development of a bicultural identity; and, assessing pre-migration trauma and its possible impact on adaptation to the host society. This presentation will focus on the successes, challenges, and lessons learned developing, implementing, and evaluating these interventions with Burundian women.