BRIDGING TRAUMA AND RESILIENCE: AN EVIDENCE BASED REVIEW OF PSYCHOSOCIAL INTERVENTIONS IN IMMIGRATION DETENTION AND CUSTODY CENTERS

<doi>10.24250/jpe/2/2025/BP/DR/</doi>

Abstract

Immigration detention is the source of significant
psychological risk for detainees, including high levels of
trauma, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). While worry increases worldwide,
though, the quality and quantity of psychosocial
interventions in detention centers are patchy. The present
paper is an evidence-based overview of psychosocial
interventions that can help migrants, asylum seekers, and
refugees who are detained in immigration, closed
migration centers, and custody and accommodation
contexts. Based on theoretical work like Ecological
Systems Theory, Cognitive-Behavioral Models of Stress
and Adaptation, and Resilience Theory, the review
specifies how such approaches guide mental health care
plans among detainees. In synthesizing exemplary
practices in psychosocial treatment, the study incorporates
initial screening for mental illnesses, cognitive-behavioral
therapies, trauma-informed services, techniques used to
promote resilience, and culture-sensitive interventions.
Evidence shows that multimodal interventions—combining
individual, group, and community-based approaches—are
most successful in alleviating psychological distress and
facilitating adaptation among detainees. However, the
implementation of such interventions is often hampered by
systemic barriers, including limited access to mental health
professionals, legal and policy constraints, and ethical
issues of coercion and informed consent. The article also addresses ethical and policy considerations and
emphasizes the need for rights-based approaches,
alternatives to detention, and increasing access to mental
health care. Longitudinal follow-up studies of detainees'
mental health trajectories after release and comparative
studies of community-based alternatives to detention and
their impact on psychosocial well-being are suggested for
future research. By affirming evidence-based, trauma
informed,
and
culturally
sensitive
psychosocial
interventions, this study can contribute to constructing
humane, ethical, and efficient policies for the mental well
being of detained migrants.