Improving access to mental health services for immigrant, refugee and asylum seeker children, youth and their families in Canada

The migration journey of children, youth  and their families who are immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers (henceforth referred to as newcomers) can be a complex and stressful experience. A growing body of research evidence has documented the mental health challenges facing this group, and the need to improve access to care, and even to reimagine mental health services for them. Providing faster and equitable access to high-quality mental health services is a shared priority for the federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments in Canada. However, the higher risks facing children, youth and their families who are newcomers, and their need for tailored programs and services, have largely been neglected in the strategic initiatives that have been pursued in recent years. Now is an opportune time to examine how to do better for those already in Canada and the large volume of newcomers expected to arrive in the coming years.