Open AccessProviding Psychological Services to Immigrant Children: Challenges and Potential Solutions
Author(s) -
Sajjad Ahmad,
Keith S. Dobson
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
clinical and counselling psychology review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2706-8676
pISSN - 2412-5253
DOI - 10.32350/ccpr.12.04
Subject(s) - multiculturalism , immigration , diversity (politics) , settlement (finance) , mental health , inclusion (mineral) , face (sociological concept) , political science , cultural diversity , economic growth , sociology , public relations , psychology , business , gender studies , social science , economics , psychiatry , finance , law , payment
Canada is a diverse and multicultural country. More than one fifth of Canadians are foreign-born individuals from over 200 countries (Statistics Canada, 2017a). Whereas diversity and official multiculturalism makes Canada attractive for immigrants, the newcomers nonetheless face challenges in the areas of settlement, employment, and access to mental health services. These challenges are particularly acute for immigrant children. This article describes four major challenges related to the provision of psychological services to immigrant children and suggests potential solutions for each of these four challenges. The article concludes with the suggestion of a multilevel approach to address these challenges, and the collaborative inclusion of relevant stakeholders.