Psy4Asyl was founded in 2016 by the Verband der Aargauer Psychologinnen und Psychologen (VAP). Since the spring of 2021 Psy4Asyl is a registered association with the primary mission of promoting the mental health of refugees and alleviating their suffering. Therapy, counselling and consultation, and other mental health-promoting projects contribute to the stabilization of many refugee’s mental health and enable them to begin to process their experiences. Long-term goals include striving for preventative impacts and developing a constructive handling of distressing situations in the asylum process. Treatment services are mostly provided free of charge by mental health professionals.

Currently, more than 30 professionals from different fields are affiliated to the network: psychotherapy, psychological counselling, psychiatry, trauma pedagogy, polarity/body therapy, art therapy, learning therapy, nutritional counselling etc. These professionals contribute their expertise and work in a networked and integrative way. Regular network meetings and specialist training take place so ensure that the quality of the work and the continuation of the network can be guaranteed and optimised.

The members of the network see it as their professional duty to make their services accessible to refugees, to sensitise the public and politicians to these issues and to make the existing need and possible solutions visible.

Projects to promote health and wellbeing

Psy4Asyl’s project “Benefits for Body and Soul” covers a low-level of care provision. A team of trauma- and polarity therapists developed a service that combines psycho-education, body-oriented intervention and counselling. Since the mental health professionals visit community centres or shelters directly, barriers and inhibitions (such as prejudices against psychological help) are more easily broken down and many refugees can be reached simultaneously. The project focuses on empowerment and strengthening self-efficacy.

A special service is offered to unaccompanied underage asylum seekers: once a week a mental health professional will visit a refugee shelter and offer a workshop tailored to young people. Depending on their interests and concerns the youths select from various options such as art therapy (visual or musical), body work, or psychological counselling (talk therapy).

Specialist training

Trauma-sensitising training courses are essential. The lack of knowledge about trauma and its effects on behalf of authorities, social workers and carers in refugee shelters, teachers and volunteers has far-reaching consequences, such as the non-recognition or false assessment of profound difficulties as a result of traumatic events. Mental / psychiatric illnesses requiring treatment are not recognised, remain untreated or treated incorrectly. This reinforces the misjudgement and associated stigmatisation of refugees. Awareness-raising measures for caregivers is a key measure in the early identification of traumatised refugees. In addition, committed volunteers and professionals can feel overwhelmed, and there is even a risk of secondary traumatisation if no support is offered to adequately care for traumatised people. In addition to sharing knowledge on topics such as the causes, signs and consequences of trauma, the training also focuses on topics such as self-care and psychological hygiene while working with severely distressed people.

Project support

The Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation is supporting Psy4Asyl in the years 2021-2023 with a project grant of CHF 235’000.—.

For further information about Psy4Asyl see: psy4asyl.ch