Migration and mental health care in Europe: report of a preliminary mapping exercise

This paper offers an examination of mental health services for migrant groups in a number of European countries. It draws on a range of recent studies to highlight some of the key and emerging issues in relation to the provision of mental health services within an increasingly multi-ethnic and multicultural Europe. The results of a preliminary mapping exercise of mental health services for migrant groups are presented and their broader implications are considered. The aim of the mapping exercise was to collect and examine information on mental health services for migrant groups against a backdrop of broad policy developments in the mental health field and the emergence of multicultural approaches in public policy. The results of a questionnaire survey of service providers in 16 European countries are summarised, with special attention to three of the participating countries, Sweden, the Netherlands and Spain. The information from it is placed in a context of current research in the field of race, culture and mental health. In examining the results of the preliminary mapping exercise, key areas for policy development and service provision are identified and an agenda for future research in this area is suggested.