People who have experienced persecution, war, and displacement often require psychosocial, psychotherapeutic, and psychiatric support. Experiences of violence, insecurity, and displacement can lead to long-term psychological distress. At the same time, language barriers, a lack of information, social exclusion, and limited access to care make it difficult for them to access the regular healthcare system. 

The project “Psychosocial Care for Refugees in the State of Brandenburg” supports refugees, migrants, and particularly vulnerable individuals in the state of Brandenburg who are experiencing mental health challenges or suffering from mental illness. The goal is to improve the mental health and social integration of people with flight and migration backgrounds.

The project is being implemented by KommMit für Migrant*innen und Geflüchtete e.V. in collaboration with Verein für seelische Gesundheit und Menschenrechte (VGM) e.V..

Project activities

1. Psychological and psychosocial counseling and support

Multidisciplinary teams identify individuals who are particularly vulnerable and assess their needs for care, support, and treatment. Through individual and group sessions, people experiencing mental health challenges receive psychosocial, psychological, and social-psychiatric support and guidance.

The offerings include, among other things:

• Medical History and Diagnosis
• Psychological and Psychosocial Counseling
• Crisis Intervention and Stabilization
• Psychoeducation
• Psychosocial Group Programs
• Psychosocial Support and Care
• Referral to Regular Health Care Services
• Digital and Telephone Counseling
• Language Interpretation
• Psychological Reports for Government Agencies and Courts in Asylum Proceedings

2. Regional psychosocial counseling centers

The project collaborates with regional psychosocial counseling centers in Brandenburg. The centers are located in Barnim, Cottbus, Elbe-Elster, Frankfurt (Oder), Märkisch-Oderland, Oberhavel, Oberspreewald-Lausitz, Oder-Spree, Potsdam, Potsdam-Mittelmark, and Teltow-Fläming.

The counseling centers are accessible, multilingual, and culturally sensitive. The teams consist of psychologists, social workers, and mental health professionals, and are supported by language interpreters.

3. Networking and Committee Work

The project collaborates with shelters, counseling centers, clinics, psychotherapists, day clinics, outpatient departments at medical centers, public health departments, and other regional stakeholders.

Participation in networks, working groups, and professional discussions fosters professional exchange and helps improve psychosocial care for displaced persons. This work is complemented by public outreach and efforts to raise awareness of culturally and linguistically sensitive practices.