Find a Mental Health Professional for Migration, Refugee & Asylum Seeker Experience

About Migration, Refugee & Asylum Seeker Experience support

The experiences of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia are diverse and often include exposure to war, persecution, displacement, family separation, and the trauma of the journey itself. Upon arrival, individuals and families may face significant legal, financial, and housing uncertainty, sometimes for extended periods. These stressors occur alongside the ordinary challenges of adjusting to a new country. Psychological distress in refugee communities is common, understandable, and treatable. Mental health support for refugees and asylum seekers needs to be culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and practically aware of the significant systemic barriers many people face, including visa uncertainty, limited Medicare access, language barriers, and cultural understandings of mental health. Interpreters and bilingual workers are an important part of service delivery. In Australia, the Refugee Health Service network in each state provides specialist primary health care. STARTTS in New South Wales and its equivalents in other states offer specialist trauma-informed support for refugees. The Foundation House in Victoria and Companion House in the ACT are specialist services. Some asylum seekers have restricted Medicare access, and community legal centres can advise on entitlements.