Refugee Youth Resource

Mental Health & Substance Use

FOR PROVIDERS

Introduction

Refugee and newcomer children and youth often experience significant stressors and traumatic events before, during, and after their forced migration to the United States. Experiences such as displacement, family separation, loss of familiar supports, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture, language, and systems may influence how children and young adults think, feel, and behave. The resources below are designed to help professionals and volunteers working with refugee children and youth build a deeper understanding of youth’s mental health and recognize potential signs of concern. By increasing awareness and strengthening their confidence in discussing mental health, providers can help reduce stigma, support early intervention, and strengthen the overall well-being of refugee children, youth, and families.

RESOURCES

for Providers

Addressing the Mental Health of Refugee Children & Youth Part I: Practical Strategies for Trauma-Informed, Culturally Responsive Support (2025)

Addressing the Mental Health of Refugee Children & Youth Part I: Practical Strategies for Trauma-Informed, Culturally Responsive Support

Resource Type: Webinar

Source: USCRI Refugee Youth Resource Center

Addressing the Mental Health of Refugee Children & Youth Part II: Facilitating Effective Conversations with Youth and Families (2026)

Addressing the Mental Health of Refugee Children & Youth Part II: Facilitating Effective Conversations with Youth and Families

Resource Type: Webinar

Source: USCRI Refugee Youth Resource Center

Facilitating Effective Conversations about Mental Health with Newcomer Youth and Families: A Guide for Providers (2026)

Facilitating Effective Conversations about Mental Health with Newcomer Youth and Families: A Guide for Providers

Resource Type: PDF

Source: USCRI Refugee Youth Resource Center

Strategies and Activities to Support Refugee Youth Engagement and Resilience (2025)

Strategies and Activities to Support Refugee Youth Engagement and Resilience

Resource Type: PDF

Source: USCRI Refugee Youth Resource Center

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Newcomers: Guidance for Service Providers (2025)

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Newcomers: Guidance for Service Providers

Resource Type: PDF

Source: Switchboard

Take Mental Health First Aid (n.d.)

Take Mental Health First Aid

Resource Type: Website

Source: National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Children’s Mental Health Matters (n.d.)

Children’s Mental Health Matters

Resource Type: PDF

Source: Mental Health America