Responding to the Migration Crisis at the U.S. Southern Border: Mental Health Service and Advocacy

Association of Traumatic Stress Studies Speakers Series:

Responding to the Migration Crisis at the U.S. Southern Border: Mental Health Service and Advocacy featuring Dr. Ryan Matlow

The current presentation aims to contextualize the recent migration and humanitarian crisis at the U.S. Southern Border within a framework of child traumatic stress. This talk will provide background on the situation at border through a review of anti-immigrant policies and practices implemented under the Trump administration, with a focus on the resulting trauma experiences of migrant children and families and the associated psychological impacts. The presentation will explore opportunities for mental health professionals in responding to the current crisis, and in addressing psychological harms of recent policy and practice through advocacy and service. In particular, the presentation will highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between mental health professionals, legal professionals, human rights advocates, and other disciplines.