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Resources for New Refugees

NY State Office of Mental Health

As New York State welcomes refugees from Afghanistan, it is critical that New York’s mental health providers are aware of the circumstances that recent refugees are likely to be affected by, and best practice approaches to serving them. New York State’s Office of Mental Health has created resources for mental health providers and refugees themselves, to provide needed information about accessing high quality mental health resources and supports. These efforts are in direct alignment with OMH’s mission to ensure all New Yorkers have an equal opportunity for mental wellness, and that services and policies are put into place to eliminate disparities in access, quality, and treatment outcomes for historically marginalized, underserved and unserved populations.

statue of liberty

New York State welcomes you!

No matter what you’ve been through,
 it's important that you take care of your mental health.

Here are some resources that can help you and your family.

(Interpretation services available for all)

NYS Office of New Americans Hotline:
1-800-566-7636
Get help navigating the services and supports available for New Americans

NYS Office of Mental Health’s Customer Relations:
1-800-597-8481
Ask questions, report concerns and get help accessing New York State services

NY Project Hope COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline:
1-844-863-9314
NY’s free, confidential COVID-19 crisis counseling helpline

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text Got5 to 741741
Confidential support and crisis resources

OMH Field Offices (Talk to someone about referrals and local services):

Central New York Field Office
Phone: (315) 426-3930

Hudson River Field Office
Phone: (845) 454-8229

Long Island Field Office
Phone: (631) 761-2508

New York City Field Office
Phone: (212) 330-1650

Western New York Field Office
Phone: (716) 533-4075

 

 

Tips for Mental Health Providers Assisting Afghanistan Refugees

The New York State Office of Mental Health believes everyone should have an equal opportunity
for mental wellness. As a mental health provider in New York State, you may encounter recent
refugees from Afghanistan. We need to be aware of their experiences and cultural differences:

less than 10%

More than half the Afghan population struggles with depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress, but less than 10 percent get the help and support they need.
person, heart, health care Train your staff to acknowledge and understand relevant cultural traits (religion, gender roles, beliefs about medical care). Culture plays a powerful role in how Afghan people seek, receive, and use mental health services.
clipboard and maginifer

Afghan refugees may not trust systems of care because of their immigration status, cultural stigma, and lack of education on mental health.

 

Afghanistan is a multilingual country with two widely used languages: Pashto and Dari. Make sure
your signage and public health messages are available in these languages. Service providers should
also ensure access to face-to-face interpretation, phone/video interpretation and written translation.

More Information: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/cultural_competence/exec_order_26/index.html

 

 

Help is Available: 

(all resources provide language access services)

NYS Office of New Americans Hotline: 1-800-566-7636
Get help navigating the services and supports available for New Americans


NYS Office of Mental Health’s Customer Relations: 1-800-597-8481
Ask questions, report concerns and get help accessing New York State services


NY Project Hope COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline: 1-844-863-9314
NY’s free, confidential COVID-19 crisis counseling helpline


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text Got5 to 741741
Confidential support and crisis resources

 

 

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