Legal-Mental Health Partnership

Expanding Access to Mental Health Services for Immigrant Youth

Our partnership with the Immigrant Psychology Network is dedicated to addressing the significant mental health needs of newcomer youth in the Greater Philadelphia Area.

The Challenge
​Migrant children often arrive in the US with prior trauma, only to face additional stressors, including:

• Deportation threats
• Lack of legal counsel
• Difficult family dynamics
• Academic challenges

These challenges can exacerbate existing mental health issues, leading to symptoms of:

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression

However, newcomer youth often face barriers to accessing mental health support, including:

• Financial constraints
• Cultural and linguistic barriers
• Survival needs
• Stigma surrounding mental illness

Furthermore, few mental health providers have the necessary clinical expertise and cultural competence to effectively treat this population, particularly in rural areas.

Our Solution
To address this critical gap, Project Libertad and Immigrant Psychology Network launched a Legal-Mental Health Partnership in 2020. Our collaborative initiatives include:

• Know Your Rights Mental Health presentations
• Mental health evaluations
• Bilingual therapy
• Professional development
• Consultation

By working together, we aim to increase awareness and access to mental health services for immigrant youth, providing them with the support they need to heal, thrive, and reach their full potential.

Learn More
For more information on our partnership and services, contact us.

Reference
Abdi, S. M. (August 2018). Mental Health of Migrant Children.