CAMH and the IRMHP recognizes the unique impacts that COVID-19 has on the mental health of immigrants and refugees. We are deeply grateful to service providers working to support their clients during this difficult time. Please visit this page for resources that may be of use to you.
The Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project (IRMHP) offers online training, tools and resources to settlement, social and health service professionals working with immigrants and refugees. By participating, you’ll gain new knowledge, skills, tools and strategies to apply to your work. You’ll have the opportunity to connect and exchange ideas and experiences with hundreds of service providers across Canada and obtain advice from experts in the field. All activities are self-paced, so take your time and explore all the elements of the project.
This project builds on the former Refugee Mental Health Project, expanding to cover mental health problems and disorders in different groups of immigrants and refugees as well as evidence-based services, treatments and supports that have the capacity to effectively address the unique needs of different groups.
This project is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Overall, newly-arrived immigrants have better mental and physical health than the Canadian-born population. Refugees are at a higher risk for mental health problems and disorders than immigrants, however, the mental health of both immigrants and refugees tends to worsen with time in Canada. The rates of mental health problems and illnesses vary considerably between and within different groups. Evidence suggests that some subgroups are at greater risk for deteriorating mental health than others. A one-size-fits-all approach to service models is not effective.
