Efficacy of a Low-threshold, Culturally-Sensitive Group Psychoeducation Programme for Asylum Seekers (LoPe) (LoPe)
Non-FAU Project
Acronym: LoPe
Start date : 01.04.2019
End date : 31.12.2024
Project details
Short description
Asylum seekers and refugees show high prevalence rates of mental health disorders, yet their access to appropriate treatment is severely limited due to a variety of barriers. These include limited knowledge about mental illness and available treatment options, stigma surrounding psychological problems, cultural differences in the understanding of psychotherapy, and language barriers. Furthermore, refugees often report distrust toward governmental institutions and a lack of confidence in confidentiality, which can hinder or entirely prevent engagement in psychotherapeutic treatment.
To address these barriers, the ReCAP research consortium is developing and evaluating a culturally adapted stepped-care approach to psychotherapy for refugees. The subproject Efficacy of a Low-threshold, Culturally-Sensitive Group Psychoeducation Programme for Asylum Seekers (LoPe) focuses on the first level of the stepped-care-approach: the Tea Garden.
This group-based intervention provides psychoeducation on mental health as well as information on psychotherapeutic and psychiatric treatment options. It also explains the specific characteristics of mental health care provision for refugees. The goal is to reduce stigma, increase openness toward psychotherapy, and provide initial relief from symptoms while strengthening psychological resources. Cultural sensitivity is ensured by using non-verbal materials during sessions, relying heavily on visuals, metaphors, and analogies (e.g., comparisons to physical illnesses) to facilitate understanding. A key element of the intervention is its welcoming and trust-building atmosphere, supported by the offering of tea and snacks during sessions to create a hospitable and safe space.
Scientific Abstract
Asylum seekers in Western host countries often face significant challenges in accessing psychological treatment, despite experiencing high levels of mental distress. These barriers are rooted in limited knowledge about mental health issues and the healthcare system, as well as cultural differences and language obstacles. The randomised clinical trial ‘LoPe’ aims to analyse the efficacy of a low-threshold, culturally sensitive group psychoeducation program for asylum seekers (Teagarden, TG), an intervention for shortly arrived asylum seekers assumed to promote knowledge about mental health and mental health support providers.
