Humanitarian crisis on the US-Mexico border: Mental health needs of refugees and asylum seekers

Families and youth from the Northern Triangle of Central America seeking asylum in the U.S. report substantial trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Sexual and gender minorities of this population especially present unique circumstances and thus challenges and needs. However, with immigration along the southern U.S. border at a 21-year high, health and social resources for refugees and asylum seekers are being strained. Accordingly, the primary aim of this review is to raise awareness about migration-related trauma and the mental health needs among Central American and LGBTQ + refugees and asylum seekers in the U.S.-Mexico border. The authors also discuss practical, clinical, and advo-cacy implications to improve the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers entering the United States.