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Mental health

When providing information to applicants, the topic of mental health is often linked to broader discussions on access to healthcare. 

Member States must take into account the specific situation of applicants with special reception needs (Article 24 RCD (2024)). Certain applicants, such as persons with serious illnesses, mental disorders (including post-traumatic stress disorder), or those who are victims of human trafficking, torture, rape or other serious forms of psychological, physical or sexual violence, are more likely to have special needs. 

Member States must ensure that applicants receive the necessary healthcare from general practitioners or, where needed, from specialist practitioners. Such necessary healthcare must be of adequate quality and must include at least, emergency care, the essential treatment of illnesses, including serious mental disorders and appropriate mental health care for applicants with special reception needs.

The EUAA Operational Standards and Indicators on Reception including Vulnerability-related Aspects, 2026, provide that measures are implemented to prevent the emergence and/or the aggravation of mental health related issues through tailored psychoeducational activities, referral to specialised services where needed, and proactive engagement of applicants experiencing mental health issues (Standards 133, Indicator 2, p. 174).

Furthermore, they stress the importance of mental healthcare for unaccompanied children who suffer from psychological difficulties and have/or been victims of any form of abuse, neglect, exploitation, torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or have suffered from armed conflicts. It is recommended that Member States develop and implement standard operating procedures to ensure access to mental health care, rehabilitation services, qualified counselling for unaccompanied children (Standard 107, p.143). 

The 2023 European Commission Communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health highlights that ‘Young people are increasingly dealing with anxiety, sadness or fear, self-harm, low self-esteem, bullying and eating disorders. Forcibly displaced and migrant children […] are particularly at risk.’

The EASO Consultations with applicants for international protection on mental health, 2021, p. 43, highlights how some reception related measures, such as giving residents the opportunity to personalise their living spaces might provide a sense of safety and belonging. If available, information on such opportunities, should be provided to applicants. 

The EUAA Guidance on Mental Health and Well-being of Applicants for International Protection – Parts I – III consists of three standalone but complementary and interlinked parts:

Information provision messages

Psychoeducation builds mental health literacy, equipping applicants with the tools to maintain their well-being, adapt to their new environment and navigate the asylum process with greater agency. 

Providing clear information on available resources reduces stigma and ensures access to appropriate care and support. Comprehensive information on mental health resources and support services not only helps to destigmatise mental health concerns but also ensures that applicants have access to the necessary care and assistance to address any challenges they may face during their stay in reception.

Inform applicants about the following.  

  • What mental health is and what it entails. Describe some mental health conditions and how they affect people’s well-being. 
  • The fact that mental health conditions and/or psychological distress are common and treatable. 
  • The importance of recognising signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions.
  • The high occurrence of people under distress, especially among applicants, as they have been exposed to events that affect their mental health, such as displacement, separation, violence.
  • Any mental health screenings carried out during their stay in reception, their purpose and what they entail. 
  • The available services inside and outside reception, such as psychological and psychiatric services, the difference between these two services and how to access them.
  • The available rehabilitation services for victims of violence and torture as well as how to access them.
  • The available assistance for serious mental disorders, including how to access specialised mental health services and how to schedule counselling. 
  • The possibility to request an interpreter to facilitate communication with health professionals. 
  • The available support services: peer-support groups and leisure activities and the transportation available.
  • What they can do if a family member, including children, or a resident close to them is experiencing a mental health crisis, including the support available from reception facility staff, how to access emergency mental health services and crisis hotlines.
  • Any psychosocial and community-based support services.
  • The confidentiality principle and informed consent, ensuring they understand their rights and options regarding mental health care.
  • The available materials (leaflets, brochures) on mental health preventive measures.
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Practical tips

  • Use simple language and real-life scenarios during information sessions and in drafting the information materials to enhance the applicants' understanding.
  • Collaborate with mental health professionals, cultural mediators, social workers, among others and community representatives to deliver culturally sensitive information on mental health to applicants. Use various formats such as brochures, posters, animations and group discussions to cater to diverse profiles and special needs. Ensure dedicated information materials and sessions for children, especially unaccompanied children.
  • Ensure a safe and secure environment when providing information on mental health to applicants, fostering receptiveness and comfort for discussing sensitive issues.
  • To ensure a supportive environment for discussing mental health topics, organise separate small-group sessions for men and women to encourage open dialogue and maintain confidentiality.
  • Support applicants in overcoming mental health related stigma and disinformation, by helping them recognise their conditions and encouraging them to seek support. 
  • Consider providing information related to the fact that applicants with untreated mental health conditions might resort to self-harm, addictions (including alcohol and drug use) and risky behaviours. 
  • Provide the information at multiple points during their stay and conduct follow-up sessions with applicants to confirm their understanding. Address any questions or concerns they may have.
  • Organise focus group discussions on mental health by presenting some stories of persons who experienced psychological distress and mental health conditions, focusing on the some of the symptoms, the challenges they faced, but also on their resilience and their resources.